Beginning July 21, drivers who fancy pushing past the posted limits on CO 119 will be receiving a free reminder to slow down, courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Under the watchful eyes of automated cameras, the Colorado Speed Enforcement Program will start issuing warnings to those driving too fast through the Boulder County work zone - part of the CO 119 Safety, Mobility & Bikeway Project. CDOT is clear, this is not a ticket-generating ploy, but rather an earnest attempt to change driver behavior for the safer.
"The simplest way to save a life is to slow down,” said CDOT’s acting executive director, Sally Chafee, as per CDOT. The warning period is destined to last a bare minimum of 30 days before actual fines kick in. During this grace period, drivers will receive only one warning, even if they're caught red-handed multiple times.
Following the warning phase, those who continue to embrace their need for speed will have to either cough up the $75 fine or submit an appeal within a 45-day window. The proceeds from these less-than-speedy infractions? They're earmarked to fund future endeavors of the Speed Enforcement Program, with any overflow being poured into the Vulnerable Road User Protection Enterprise, a noble cause aimed at fortifying the roadways for those not surrounded by four wheels and an engine.
It's all about safety, reinforces CDOT Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock, stating, "This includes not only drivers, but work zone crews, bicyclists, law enforcement and pedestrians," as obtained by CDOT. Six cameras will span the work zone on CO 119, ready to play their part in reducing the crashes and fatalities that have been creeping upward. CDOT is employing the Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVIS) to snap the unaware speedsters who barrel through at more than 10 mph over the limit, ensuring the roads are a bit less perilous for all.
One stark figure that stands out: Over 16% of drivers in the CO 119 zone surpassed the speed limit by over 10 MPH during the test period of this camera system, as reported by CDOT. Meanwhile, construction on the CO 119 project churns on, expected to reach a hiatus only as spring awakens in 2027.
