(August 3, 2011) – In an ongoing effort to improve work zone safety, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) today announced the addition of the I-270 work zone at MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) and Bennett Creek in Frederick County into the Maryland SafeZones program.  The deployment is in advance of a major traffic shift planned for late August when crews move northbound I-270 onto a temporary bridge in the median.  Once the traffic shift is complete, crews will start demolishing the existing bridge deck. 

Speed enforcement cameras were deployed on Monday, August 1.  The 21-day warning period will continue through Monday, August 22.  Citations will be issued starting Tuesday, August 23. The posted speed is 55 miles per hour through the work zone.

The addition of the I-270 work zone now brings the list to two locations in Frederick County and eight projects total work zones actively using the automated speed enforcement technology.   

Maryland SafeZones joins SHA, Maryland State Police (MSP) and Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MdTA) in the statewide effort to improve highway safety.  Mobile enforcement vehicles continue to rotate among eligible work zones throughout the State.   Large signs are in place in advance of the work zones to alert drivers of automated speed enforcement use.  Crews also place a “speed trailer” to display the posted speed limit and drivers’ speeds in advance of the enforcement vehicle. 

Speed cameras may be used to fine drivers exceeding the speed limit by 12 mph or more in work zones along controlled access roadways with a 45 mph or more speed limit. 

Four out of every five people injured or killed in work zone crashes are drivers or their passengers, not workers.   Even when workers are not present, work zones can be dangerous due to reduced lane width, barrier walls, uneven pavement and modified signage placement.  On average, 12 people are killed per year and approximately 1,500 people injured in crashes in work zones.

The fine for a speeding violation issued through the Maryland SafeZones program is $40.  Revenue collected from the civil fines will be used to cover the costs of implementing and administering the Maryland SafeZones program.  For more information on the I-270 bridge project, visit SHA’s Projects and Studies section at www.roads.maryland.gov or to learn more about the program, log onto safezones.maryland.gov.

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