INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces two additional sites as part of its worksite speed control pilot program, known as Safe Zones. Deployments will resume next month on I-70 in Hancock County and move to I-80/90 in Steuben County on the Indiana Toll Road.
The program is currently active in the Clear Path I-465/I-69 work zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis and on I-65 near Lowell.
“We’ve seen around a 70% reduction in excessive speeds within our current deployment sites,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Creating safer conditions for both drivers and road workers is our goal, and lower speeds are a huge factor in that effort.”
On or after Monday, September 15, Safe Zones enforcement will resume in the I-70 construction zone, between mile markers 105 and 109 near Greenfield, and begin on I-80/90 between mile markers 142 and 143 on the Indiana Toll Road near Fremont. Safe Zones enforcement will also continue in the Clear Path I-465/I-69 zone in Marion County. Deployments will end on I-65 in Lake County upon the completion of construction, expected in mid-to-late September.
Once active, vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will receive a violation notice via mail. The first violation results in a zero-fine warning, followed by a $75 civil fine for second violations, and a $150 civil fine for third and subsequent violations.
“I am encouraged by the success we’ve seen so far,” said Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor, “and I cannot stress enough the importance of slowing down and avoiding distractions in work zones. We want everyone to go home safe at the end of the day.”
Safe Zones was authorized by the Indiana General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session through House Enrolled Act 1015. By statute, the program may be active at up to four sites at any given time. The program aims to protect the lives of motorists and road workers by slowing drivers down and reducing crashes in work zones.
How Safe Zones Works The system documents vehicle speeds using truck-mounted speed timing devices as drivers pass through work zones. When a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more than the posted speed limit, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate. After data is validated, violations are certified and issued to the owner of the vehicle by mail. In accordance with state statute, collected fines go into the state’s General Fund.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation INDOT is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and operating the State of Indiana’s more than 29,000 highway lane miles and 5,700 bridges, and providing support for 4,500 rail miles and 127 aviation facilities throughout the Hoosier State. With six district offices and over 3,500 employees, INDOT works to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation infrastructure while supporting the state’s economic vitality. The department is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and safety in transportation planning and development, in addition to collaborating with local governments and private sector partners to meet the state’s transportation needs. For the eighth consecutive year, Indiana has placed in the top ten in the nation for infrastructure in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings. Learn more at in.gov/indot.
About Buckle Up Phone Down Buckle Up Phone Down is a safety initiative adopted by the Indiana Department of Transportation in late 2023. Unrestrained motorists and passengers, as well as distracted driving continue to be contributing factors in fatal and serious injury crashes on Indiana roadways. Buckle Up Phone Down is one of many efforts to change driver behavior and improve roadway safety across Indiana.The actions are simple: when you get into a vehicle, buckle up. If you are the driver, put the phone down. Every trip. Every time. Learn more and accept the challenge at BUPDIN.com.
