State Issues Speeding Warnings On I-95 In East Lyme

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that 1,500 citations were being issued daily.

EAST LYME, CT — The state has begun an enforcement program on I-95 in East Lyme that has resulted in speeding warnings being issued. The state Department of Transportation uses radar to identify vehicles traveling 15 mph or above the posted work zone speed limit.

DOT Spokesperson Josh Morgan said that 1,200 warnings have been issued at five locations across the state since April. No citations have been issued yet.

On a first offense, drivers will receive a written warning in the mail. A second offense would lead to a citation being written. Morgan said the hope is that there won't be repeat offenders and that those who receive warnings will change their behavior the next time.

The initiative, dubbed "Know Your Zone," includes Smart Work Zone cameras that monitor the speed of vehicles traveling an average of 65 to 80 mph. The work zone speed limit is 50 mph.

"We are encouraging all who drive on roadways to know the zone by being aware of work zones and how to travel through them safely," the statement reads. "At first sight of orange, drivers should be more alert, slow down, and follow posted speed limits and work zone instructions."

Drivers also need to be aware of emergency responders and follow the state's Move Over Law, which calls for drivers to slow down and change lanes when an emergency vehicle is on the road.

The enforcement follows a construction zone accident on an I-84 ramp in Tolland last month. According to an arrest report, someone on foot in a construction zone was hit "head-on" by a vehicle. The driver and passenger tried to flee the scene, but were captured shortly after, state police said.

A Stafford man faces multiple charges in the crash.

See related: Stafford Man Charged In Tolland Construction Zone Pedestrian Collision