The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is in the process of installing automated cameras, flagging drivers who speed through active work and construction zones.
Some of the first locations to receive cameras in the coming weeks include a work zone on U.S. 25 in Fayette County, an I-75 work zone near Corbin, and one on I-64 in Shelby County, according to a news release.
The devices will not be active at first, so drivers will have time to adjust to the presence of the new technology before enforcement begins in October.
It is a move aimed at reducing the risks faced by construction crews working on Kentucky highways. In 2024 alone, Kentucky recorded more than 1,200 work zone crashes, injuring nearly 300 people and killing seven — including Blake Barnes, a road maintenance worker in Hodgenville.
Earlier this year, the state passed House Bill 664. Known as the Jared Lee Helton Act of 2025, it is named in honor of a 22-year-old killed in a work zone crash in 2018. The new law signed by Governor Andy Beshear authorizes automated speed enforcement in active work zones.
When the camera detects a driver traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit in a construction zone when a worker is present, the license plate of the vehicle is flagged. The driver can then be issued a civil citation, but a police officer must be nearby to issue the citation.
Major Eric Walker with Kentucky State Police said nobody will receive a ticket in the mail and there will be no text messages sent to speeder.
Work zones with automated enforcement will feature clear warning signs and flashing lights so drivers know when they are approaching an area where cameras are active. Tickets will only be issued in person by law enforcement officers based on detector data, and fines can be up to $500 when workers are present.
The Kentucky State Police will oversee enforcement at the initial locations for the remainder of the year.
Throughout the fall, speed enforcement devices are scheduled to be installed in the following work zones across the state:
Lawrence/Martin counties – U.S. 23 at Louisa; KY 3 (MP 7.314 to 13.735) at Inez
Fayette County – U.S. 25 (MP 7.805 to 9.672) and KY 418 (MP 0.000 to 1.870), Richmond/Athensboro Road at Lexington
Shelby County – I-64 (MP 27.880 to 38.300) near Shelbyville
Laurel/Whitley Counties – I-75 (MP 23.200 to 28.900) near Corbin
Additional locations may also be added this year.
Source: WDRB
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