Slowing traffic in highway work zones remains a concern

There’s mixed opinion about whether progress has been made in getting drivers to slow down in highway construction zones.

A state trooper said he has seen more drivers obeying lower speed limits in the zones, but a worker in a Manitou Springs work zone said drivers are speeding as much as ever.

“It’s easy to see people speeding,” said Trooper J.R. Schmidt. “They’ll be as much as 20 miles per hour over the (35 mph) limit — right in front of me.”

Safety in work zones is such a concern that companies like Mountain Barricade, Inc., of Pueblo, are hired specifically to control traffic and protect construction workers.

“The average speed through a work zone is about 45,” said Matt Sotelo, of MBI. “In the blink of an eye, a driver could hit or clip someone. That’s something they don’t think about.”

Sotelo said many drivers are in a hurry, distracted or in bad moods when driving through a work zone.

“I get yelled at or flipped off all the time,” he said. “Like (the construction work) is my fault.”

Two drivers stopped by troopers explained why they were going too fast.

“I was thinking about a job I have in Divide,” said David Peluso. “I should have known better. I’m in construction myself, so I know what it’s like to be safe.”

“I just didn’t pay attention to the sign,” said Damon Lane. “I missed it.”

Troopers let both drivers off with warnings. But a speeding ticket in a work zone can cost several hundred dollars and subtract points from your license.