Overview: MnDOT's approach to to highway work zone safety
With over 11,000 work zone crashes reported in Minnesota since 2021, state transportation officials are turning to speed safety cameras to protect road crews and drivers. The new pilot program hits two major corridors. bringing automated monitoring, warning letters, and a focus on driver education.
Safety is a top priority as construction crews work across Minnesota roadways.
To improve work zone safety, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will begin installing speed safety cameras at two highway construction sites, as part of a pilot project.
Nancy Daubenberger, MnDOT commissioner, said the camera systems offer another tool that may improve safety for everyone who works in and travels through the limited space within work zones.
“Everyone deserves to get home safely each day,” Daubenberger said.
The speed safety cameras will be installed along I-35W in Burnsville, north of the I-35W and I-35E split, and Highway 65 from Cambridge to Braham.
When entering those two work zones, drivers will see orange signs alerting them that a speed safety camera is in use and capturing drivers violating the speed limit.
Registered owners of vehicles recorded traveling 10 mph or more above the work zone speed limit may receive warning letters.
According to MnDOT, the camera system will only record license plates, not images of vehicle occupants.
No fines will be issued as part of the pilot program; It’s goal is to test the camera systems, evuluate effectiveness and educate drivers on the importance of driving safely in work zones.
Studies have shown speed safety cameras can reduce severe crashes and deaths. MnDOT data show there have been more than 11,000 crashes since 2021 in state work zones, with 20 people killed and 609 injured in speed-related work zone crashes.
The safety cameras are part of a larger pilot project authorized by the 2024 Minnesota Legislature to study the feasibility and effectiveness of speed safety cameras in Minnesota.
MnDOT has the option to test and evaluate the camera in up to two more work zones in 2027 or 2028.
Those traveling through the selcted area where work zone speed safety camera will be place are encourges to share their experince by emailing safetycameras.dot@state.mn.us or visting the feedback form on MnDOT’s website.