Automated Speed Enforcement Begins on I-25 North Corridor

Drivers traveling through the construction zone on Interstate 25 North, situated between Mead and Berthoud, will begin facing automatic penalties starting Thursday. This enforcement is part of the broader Colorado Speed Enforcement Program.

Any driver recorded speeding within this work zone will receive a mandatory $75 fine mailed directly to them. However, there is an exception for minor infractions. According to officials, first-time violators traveling less than 10 mph over the posted limit might only receive a warning notice instead of a fine.

Warning Period Shows Significant Compliance Improvement

A warning period preceding the fines commenced on March 1. During this initial phase, authorities distributed at least 4,000 warning letters to speeders.

The impact of these warnings was substantial. CDOT reported via email that excessive speeds in the area dropped by 90% following the warning distribution. Data also showed a major decrease in speeders on I-25, falling from over 12,000 in mid-February to under 3,000 during the first week of March.

CDOT Emphasizes Safety Over Punishment

Keith Stefanik, CDOT’s Chief Engineer, stated in an emailed release that the program's primary objective is accident prevention, not driver punishment. He stressed the ongoing danger posed by excessive speed.

"Speeding continues to be a contributing factor to crashes and fatalities in Colorado. Safer speeds save lives — it’s that simple," Stefanik noted. This initiative mirrors a similar program launched in July along Colorado 119 between Boulder and Longmont, where speeding declined by over 80% after penalties were introduced.

Details on the Enforcement Technology and Fines

The enforcement utilizes eight cameras positioned along both the north and southbound lanes of I-25. These devices are designed to measure the average speed of each vehicle passing through.

Signage is installed at least 300 feet in advance to alert drivers to the presence of the cameras, as detailed in the CDOT release. Violators will receive notices within 30 days if their vehicle is registered in Colorado, or within 60 days for out-of-state addresses.

It is important to note that the registered owner of the vehicle receives the violation, irrespective of who was driving at the time. Furthermore, these civil penalties issued by the automated system will not result in points being added to a driver's license.

The I-25 Construction Project Scope

The construction project for the I-25 North express lanes officially started in May 2024. CDOT Project Engineer Ben Rowles indicated that the work is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The scope of the project is extensive. It aims to enhance safety by implementing wider shoulders and straighter curves. The plan also includes adding new toll lanes and completely reconstructing the Weld County Road 34 interchange. Additionally, eight bridges will be rebuilt along various routes, including Weld County Roads 32 and 34, Great Western Railway, Weld County Road 38, and Valley Road.