COLUMBIA, Md. — Beginning Monday, a new work zone speed camera
will be located on U.S. Route 29 in Columbia along a four-mile stretch between
MD
32 and MD 175.
Like other speed cameras in Maryland, drivers will only get tickets for
traveling
12 miles over the limit. In this stretch, the speed limit is 55 mph, so drivers
would need to travel more than 67 to get a ticket.
“Work zones present dangerous conditions and challenges that require extra
concentration and slower speeds,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters, in a
press release.
“Considering four out of five people injured or killed in work zone crashes are
vehicle occupants, not workers, it benefits everyone to obey work zone speed
limits.”
Until Dec. 21, the camera will only issue warnings. Starting Monday Dec. 22, the
tickets will be real and carry a $40 fine.
Unlike school zone speed cameras, work zone cameras can issue tickets
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lawmakers permitted this because the SHA argued
that work zones present dangerous conditions and shifting lanes even when no
workers are present.
The work zone speed camera will be mounted on a Jeep, or other sports-utility
vehicle. Usually these vehicles are placed in the construction zone, or on a
shoulder, with the camera mounted on the front hood.
As drivers head north past MD 32, SHA has also put up a mobile speed display
next
to the speed limit to let drivers know their speed before entering the speed
camera zone.
If you receive a ticket, you can challenge it to Howard County General District
Court.
The road widening on Route 29 northbound includes constructing a new third lane,
alleviating congestion for drivers heading north from Montgomery County into
Columbia and other sections of Howard County.
Lane closures are in effect Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and night
work may occur each night between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. The project is anticipated
to
be complete in fall 2016.
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