SPOKANE — A repaving project on I-90 starts tonight, and a new tool will be catching drivers that are speeding through the work zone.
The Washington State Department of Transportation calls it a “photo speed camera,” and it’s part of a work zone program the DOT has been using on the west side of the state. As of tonight, it’s now up and running in Eastern Washington.
Every time a car speeds through a work zone, drivers are putting the lives of construction workers at risk. The DOT says it happens every day.
“They have families and friends who count on them and want them to come home in one piece,” said Todd Trepanier from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Last year, nine people died in work zone-related crashes statewide, which is why the DOT and Washington State Patrol started using these cameras in Western Washington to slow drivers down. They say it’s working.
“Before the cameras, 60% of the traveling public was exceeding the speed limit,” Trepanier said. “When we go back now and with the camera enforcement and we go back and set up, we can see that dropping as low as 30%, which is absolutely amazing.”
Tonight, for the first time in Eastern Washington, this camera will be set up on I-90, catching speeders and issuing warnings to first-time offenders.
Starting in July, thanks to new legislation, your first infraction will cost you $125 and any infraction after that will cost you $248.
“This is not a way to collect fines. It’s simply a way to remind people that they need to slow down,” said Sergeant Greg Riddell from the Washington State Patrol. “And one of the biggest ways to remind people to do that, unfortunately, is a monetary penalty imposed.”
The cameras will only be operating while construction is actively happening, and several signs will be posted telling drivers to slow down before they reach both the camera and construction crews.
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