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| Introduction |
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In an effort to make highway construction work zones safer for the public and construction workers, the Oregon Department of Transportation, in partnership with Portland Police Bureau, is using photo radar for speed enforcement in the work zone for the U.S. 30/Yeon Street Pavement Preservation Project.
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| Legislature authorizes use of tool |
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The 2007 Oregon Legislature (HB 2466) gave ODOT the authority to assess the feasibility and public support of using photo radar as a speed enforcement tool in highway work zones.
The first construction project selected under this legislation is the U.S. 30/Yeon Street pavement preservation project in northwest Portland. The legislation allows ODOT to select a construction project on a state highway but not an interstate highway.
ODOT has contracted with Portland Police Bureau (through a grant from the Transportation Safety Division) to provide the photo radar speed enforcement. ODOT staff will conduct the research analysis and coordinate the project.
The Oregon Transportation Investment Act is roughly doubling the number of work zones on state highways through 2011. The state must look for additional tools to supplement on-going efforts to improve work zone safety. The purpose of this project is to determine if photo radar should be one of those tools.
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| Safety is ODOT's top priority |
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Worker and motorist safety in highway construction work zones is a top priority for ODOT and its law enforcement and construction industry partners. One of the leading causes of crashes in work zones is motorists driving too fast for conditions.
In 2007, 11 people died in crashes in Oregon work zones. None of the people who died were construction workers; they were drivers, passengers or pedestrians. More work zone statistics and safety information is available on the ODOT Web site.
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| Photo radar already in use in Oregon |
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Photo radar is used with success for speed enforcement by cities around the state, including Portland. Studies show that photo radar significantly reduces the percentage of vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit.
This is the first time ODOT has contracted with a law enforcement agency to provide photo radar enforcement in a highway work zone.
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| Answers to frequently asked questions |
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How will photo radar be used in this project?
For this project, Portland Police Bureau will conduct photo radar speed enforcement within a signed construction work zone on U.S. 30/Yeon Street in northwest Portland. Photo radar will only be in operation when workers are present in the work zone. Portland Police Bureau officers will conduct their enforcement just like they normally do in other locations around the city. For more information about Portland Police Bureau’s use of photo radar, visit the PPB Web site, http://www.portlandonline.com/Police/index.cfm?c=30591.
Where will the camera be?
The photo radar operation will be within a signed construction work zone on U.S. 30/Yeon Street in northwest Portland. It will only be in operation when workers are present in the work zone.
When will photo radar be used?
The construction project on U.S. 30/Yeon Street in northwest Portland runs through spring and into summer. It is a pavement preservation project, so most of the work will be done at night during dry weather. However, the photo radar operation may be conducted anytime that construction work is happening within the work zone. Signs will notify motorists that photo radar is in use.
What is the fine?
Fines are designed to maximize the deterrent effect of photo radar. The goal is to improve safety and reduce speed through the area, not to penalize violators. Citations are $127 or more depending on the violation.
Where does the money go?
All money collected will go through its normal citation channels. None of the fine revenue will go to ODOT. Our goal is to get drivers to voluntarily slow down in work zones, not to issue a lot of citations.
Where can I get more information?
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| Explain the U.S. 30/Yeon Street construction project. |
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It is a $2.9 million project to repave U.S. 30/Yeon Avenue from Nicolai Street (mile post 2) to Kittridge Avenue (mile post 3.9). Work includes removing the top layer of existing asphalt and installing a new asphalt surface. New pavement striping will be added. Current substandard sidewalk ramps also will be replaced. All work requiring lane closures on the highway will be done mostly during nighttime hours. Work is expected to begin in the spring and be complete by the end of September 2009.
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