The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is rolling out a new speed enforcement initiative aimed at curbing dangerous driving through construction zones in response to what CDOT called “a record number of work zone fatalities” in 2024.
The Colorado Speed Enforcement Program uses Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS) to monitor drivers’ average speeds in active work zones. If a vehicle is found traveling 10 mph or more over the posted limit, a $75 civil penalty will be issued to the registered owner.
The initiative follows a deadly year on Colorado roads, with 31 work zone-related deaths and 567 injuries reported in 2024.
“Work zones are high-risk areas with sudden changes in traffic flow and lane configurations,” said Keith Stefanik, CDOT Chief Engineer, in a statement. “This program is about saving lives, not punishing drivers.”
The program begins with a warning period starting July 21 along Colorado Highway 119, between Longmont and Boulder. Civil penalties are set to take effect later this fall. Each camera zone will include signage alerting drivers and will be publicly listed on CDOT’s website.
The enforcement system calculates speed by photographing vehicles at two points and dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. The technology will initially focus on construction areas, with plans to expand to school zones and other high-risk corridors in 2025.
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation
