DOT to I-290 Motorists: 'Slow down'

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Officials from the state Department of Transportation knew that many motorists along the I-290 (Youngmann) Highway weren't obeying work zone speed limits.

But, in no way, did they figure that more than 2,500 motorists were cited during a week-long blitz that ran between April 20 and 27.

That's correct: 2,500 motorists were cited and fined for exceeding the work zone speed limit of 55 mph along the I-290 where DOT crews are handling shoulder work.

"You look at those numbers and it was shocking," said Ryan Whalen, DOT Region 5 spokesman.

Two motorists were clocked at going 101 mph and another two were cited at 91 mph - and, all four were recorded during workday hours.

"That is pretty amazing," Whalen said. "During busy daytime traffic, someone was going 101 mph."

The fines began $50 and some were as high as $100, depending on the number of violations each driver had amassed.

And, even more shocking is those citations were complied mostly through specific blitzes on April 20, April 23 and April 27.

The issue isn't so much speeding, as it is worker safety.

The I-290 is one of the region's busiest highways, handling as many as 120,000 vehicles each day.

"This behavior is reckless and unacceptable and it needs to stop," said Eric Meka, DOT Western New York Regional Director.

Ryan noted a DOT worker near Albany was struck and killed within a work zone.

"It's incredible that people are going at those speeds (101 mph and 91 mph) any time, let alone during the day time and during a work zone," Whalen said.

The speeds are collected through the DOT's automated work zone cameras and violators are notified by mail.

Whalen said the collected fines help finance the DOT's highway safety initiatives.

"You would think drivers would be respectful of crews in the work zones," Whalen said