The electric eye is coming soon to CDOT cone zones.
Starting July 21, the state deploys its first batch of automated speeder cameras to the work site on Highway 119 between Boulder and Longmont, known as the “diagonal highway.” These cameras will capture speeders in the act and send you an automated ticket for $75 if you’re averaging 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
The Boulder cone zone cameras are the first of many to come.
“The new program deploys camera technology along CDOT-owned corridors with active construction work zones aiming to reduce speed-related crashes and fatalities on Colorado roads and improve safety for all motorists, including drivers, road workers, vulnerable road users and law enforcement,” CDOT says in a statement.
For CDOT this is all about safety. This past year set a grim new record with 567 injuries and 31 fatalities in work zones. That’s nearly double the rate from 2023.
“To give motorists time to adjust, the program will include a warning period before civil penalties are enforced this fall,” CDOT continues. “When the warning period begins violators will receive only one warning, regardless of the number of times they violate the program. Warnings and notices will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of the violation.”
Automated speeder cams in Colorado are a relatively new tool for law enforcement. In 2023 Gov. Jared Polis removed a requirement that flesh-and-blood cops must operate cameras. This opened the door for robo-cams on roads statewide. Currently they are used to catch lane violators on the I-70 express lanes.