Law enforcement steps up patrol in construction zone

Colorado Springs police officers are stepping up patrol in a construction zone along Interstate 25 as part of the “Slow for the Cone” campaign.

Monday marked the start of Work Zone Awareness week. Police officers caught 49 people speeding in a work zone for the Fillmore Street Interchange Project along I-25 between the Garden of the Gods Road and Fillmore Street exits Monday. Officers issued 89 tickets last week.

It costs drivers $20 for every mile they do over the speed limit plus a surcharge on the ticket. Two drivers have been caught going almost 30 miles per hour above the speed limit in the Fillmore Street Interchange Project work zone. The tickets for the two drivers were around $600 each.

Jud Barlow is working on that project. He is grateful for stepped-up patrol through the work zone.

“We just want them to be able to see us, pay attention to us, know that we are here,” said Barlow.

Barlow said he thinks about his safety constantly.

“We all got kids and families at home, just like everyone driving through our work area. It’s just unfortunate that our office is in their way to and from work,” said Barlow.

In 2013, 14 work zone fatalities occurred in Colorado.