MDOT and police are increasing enforcement efforts amid an increase in work zone accidents

CHEBOYGAN – As the road construction season begins, the Michigan Department of Transportation has already recorded several accidents in work zones.

A common cause of vehicle accidents in construction zones is speeding, MDOT officials said. Violators who drive too fast on construction sites face double fines and additional points on their driving license.

The Michigan State Police is working with MDOT to more strictly enforce speed limits in work zones and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding in these areas.

““We are seeing a number of motorists speeding through these construction areas at high speeds and that is unsafe for both the motorists and the workers who have to work in these conditions every day,” said MSP Sgt. Ashley Miller.

A reduced speed limit is in place in a road construction zone on I-75. Violators who drive too fast on construction sites face double fines and additional points on their driving license.

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MDOT invited reporters to see the matter for themselves on May 14 at a construction site along I-75 in Cheboygan County. Numerous vehicles were found to be exceeding the 60 mph speed limit, with some even reaching 75 mph, while a police officer monitored traffic speeds.

“Speeding is a common behavior we see and is a significant contributor to accidents,” said James Lake, MDOT’s Northern Region Communications Specialist.

Lake added that speeding is particularly dangerous for construction crews working at the site.

“This is their workplace,” he said. “They come here every day, work in close proximity to traffic and hope they get home safely every night.”

As summer travel becomes more common, Sgt. Miller advised drivers to expect construction, plan their routes accordingly and slow down to ensure worker safety.

“As you plan your vacation this summer or your weekend getaways, just know that there will be construction and plan accordingly. Slow it down and give these workers some freedom to do their work,” she said.

Brad Swanson, MDOT civil engineer who oversees projects in the region, emphasized the human cost of noncompliance.

“Human lives are at stake. That’s what really matters. “Every year we hear about road workers being killed or injured in construction site accidents,” Swanson said.

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