The Dubuque Police Department has become aware of an increase in motorists disobeying signage indicating road closure and/or detours due to construction.
As a result, increased enforcement effort in these zones is ongoing. Drivers are reminded that it is against the law to disobey such signage, whether temporary or permanent. Violating construction zone signage & signals can not only result in motorists being ticketed, it more importantly jeopardizes the safety of construction workers within said zones.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, over the last 10 years, the number of persons killed annually in motor vehicle crashes in construction zones has increased by 45%. Each year, more than 40,000 people are injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in construction zones. Penalties, to include fine increases and possible incarceration, will result if a motorist’s failure to obey signs & signals cause the injury or death to a construction worker. Speeding violations within construction zones start at $267.50 and can go as high as $1,415 (total fine with court cost & surcharge included). Other moving violations within appropriately posted construction zones can be doubled.
Motorists are not only encouraged to abide by the traffic control signs/devices, but should consider taking alternate routes to avoid the construction zones and detours altogether. Motorists are also reminded that driving into a construction zone that is posted “Road Closed To Through Traffic” means that unless you reside or have legitimate business within the zone, you could be cited for driving in or through the zone and fined $195 (total fine with court cost & surcharge included). If a motorist resides or has legitimate business within a construction zone, he/she must take a route (usually a posted detour) that most greatly minimizes the distance traveled within the zone.