The Lead

Pennsylvania work zones will now have speed cameras. Where will they be?

By: - January 6, 2020 5:16 pm

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Local police in Pennsylvania still can’t use a radar gun to catch speeders, but now a camera can do the job for them.

Starting this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation can establish speed cameras in work zones on highways across the commonwealth. 

But don’t stress yet, the new program doesn’t start until March 4.

“It’s important to remember that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program isn’t about issuing violations, it’s about saving lives,” acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said in a statement. “The goal is to encourage motorists to slow down in work zones, change their behavior, and ultimately improve safety for both motorists and workers.”

Once enforcement begins in March, a first offense will result in a warning letter, and the second a $75 fine. The third and all subsequent offenses will cost $150, but no violation will add points to your license.

The change was made in a 2018 law that passed with broad bipartisan support.

Signs must warn motorists that the work zone has speed cameras, and fines can only be issued during active construction.

Money from the fines once enforcement starts will be allocated to the state police, PennDOT and the General Fund.

Use of the work zone cameras was only approved for five years. Afterwards, the program could be abandoned or reapproved.

Here are the locations where the cameras will initially be in place:

  • Interstate 78 Section 12M Project (Mile Markers 35-43), Berks County
  • Interstate 476 Total Reconstruction (Mileposts 31-38), Montgomery County
  • Interstate 83 Exit 4 Project (Mileposts 3-4), York County
  • US 1, Section WAV (Wayne Avenue Viaduct), Philadelphia
  • US 1, Section RC1, Bucks County
  • Interstate 276, Section RC1, Bucks County
  • PA 885, Section A45 (Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh from downtown to Oakland), Allegheny County 

You can find which work zones will have speed cameras going forward here.

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Stephen Caruso
Stephen Caruso

Stephen Caruso is a former senior reporter with Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Before working with the Capital-Star he covered Pennsylvania state government for The PLS Reporter.

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