Connecticut drivers may soon begin receiving warnings and fines through the state’s new highway work-zone speed camera program.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation recently updated a public “Know the Zone” webpage with a map showing planned enforcement corridors and new details about how the automated system will work.
According to CTDOT, the program is currently in a testing phase and is expected to go live in June. Under the program, cameras capture images of vehicles traveling at least 10 mph above the posted work-zone speed limit.
“When the systems are live, the first 30 days will be written warnings only,” CTDOT spokesperson Eva Zymaris said.
After that initial 30-day period, first-time violators will continue receiving warnings unless they are traveling 85 mph or faster through a work zone, according to CTDOT.
Drivers traveling 85 mph or faster — or drivers with repeat violations — can expect to receive a $75 fine through the mail, the agency said.
The agency’s interactive map identifies several planned enforcement corridors across Connecticut, including portions of:
The agency said automated enforcement systems can be active in no more than 15 designated work-zone locations on limited-access state highways at one time.
Enforcement will only occur when active work is taking place. Trailer units are expected to be used in longer-term construction projects, while mobile units may be used for shorter-duration work such as paving or pothole patching.
If vehicle occupants appear in an image, their faces will be masked, the state said.
The state said violations issued through the camera system will not add points to a driver’s license or impact insurance rates.
Drivers will see warning signs before entering and leaving active enforcement zones, according to the agency.
"We're hoping with the advanced notice and signage, the public will slow down — and no one will receive a citation," Zynmaris said. "We're reminding everyone of the importance of slowing down, moving over, ditching those distractions and driving sober. These actions save lives."
The agency also released statistics from March testing on Route 15 northbound in Meriden, where officials said 236 vehicles were recorded traveling more than 85 mph through a work zone with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. Seven vehicles were recorded traveling more than 100 mph, with the highest speed reaching 110 mph.
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