LIHU‘E — Driving 25 mph or less through roadway construction zones — especially during the weekend or evening when no workers are present — might be frustrating, but it is the law, according to county and state officials. “… once
LIHU‘E — Driving 25 mph or less through roadway construction zones — especially during the weekend or evening when no workers are present — might be frustrating, but it is the law, according to county and state officials.
“… once a construction zone is established, it remains a construction zone 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” said Kaua‘i Police Department in a written statement.
“The reason for this is that the roadway either has been or will be changed and may be hazardous at the regular posted speed limit, and also because construction may be done at night or on weekends.”
But “people get mad” when you obey the posted speed limit, said one Kalaheo resident who wished to remain anonymous. “You try going 25 miles per hour at night. That’s when they really go wild.”
And with roadway construction booming on Kaua‘i, drivers are forced to slow down in multiple areas across the island, including Kaumuali‘i Highway from Lihu‘e past Puhi where the widening project has commenced.
“Although work-zone speed limits can be an annoyance, oftentimes even though construction is not actually occurring,” hazards may still exist, said Tammy Mori, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman.
Mori was responding to the question of why speed limit signs aren’t removed or covered at the end of a day, during weekends or when no activity appears to be present.
“So it is meant to protect people driving through the construction zone when the road conditions are not normal and up to standards.”
The reduced speed limits are “set not only to ensure workplace safety for workers who are vulnerable to errant drivers, but also to ensure motorist safety through work areas and protect them from the hazards of construction work and the changes in traffic patterns,” she said.
In these areas, concrete barriers, temporary pavement covers, narrowed lane widths and adjusted traffic patterns are often present and could cause danger for “unsuspecting motorists driving at high speeds,” Mori said.
In addition to exhibiting safety precautions, if those behind the wheel do not heed lowered speed limits, they could face a $250 fine, she said.
But residents can also expect to pay an additional $47 for court fees when caught speeding in school and construction zones, totaling a “flat rate of $297,” according to KPD.
This year through June 1, KPD had issued 18 citations to drivers speeding in construction zones. Last year, 43 citations were issued and 61 motorists were ticketed in 2008.
It is unknown whether or not these citations were made while construction work was actually in progress.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
