To further increase safety in work zones for Kentucky drivers and construction crews, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is now installing automated speed enforcement devices in active highway work zones.
Among the first places to receive cameras this week and in the coming weeks are a U.S. 25 work zone in Fayette County, an I-75 work zone near Corbin, and one on I-64 in Shelby County. The devices will not be active at first, giving drivers time to adjust to the presence of the new technology before enforcement begins in October.
“Every Kentuckian deserves to make it home safely,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re hopeful this initiative will inspire drivers to be more aware of their speeds in every work zone to avoid preventable crashes and save lives.”
House Bill 664, known as the Jared Lee Helton Act, authorizes automated speed enforcement in active work zones. Passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear earlier this year, the act is named in honor of a Kentucky highway worker who lost his life in a work zone crash. Bill sponsor Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, welcomed the rollout, stressing the importance of saving lives.
“We’ve lost too many Kentuckians in work zone crashes, including Jared, whose memory this law honors,” Blanton stated. “Installing these speed enforcement cameras is a necessary step to protect not only the men and women working on our roads, but all Kentucky families traveling through these work zones every day.”
“Every day, our crews head into work zones knowing they’re exposed to real risks from speeding traffic,” said Chad LaRue, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors. “This effort is a great step to ensure our contractors and crews have safe working conditions, just like anyone else.”
Additional locations may be added this year. Work zones with automated enforcement will feature clear warning signs and flashing lights so drivers know when they are approaching an area where cameras are active. Tickets will only be issued in person by law enforcement officers based on detector data, and fines can be up to $500 when workers are present. The Kentucky State Police will oversee enforcement at the initial locations for the remainder of the year.
