WSDOT begins rollout of Work Zone Speed Camera Program in WA

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is preparing to implement its Work Zone Speed Camera Program, with the first camera set to be installed in early 2025. This initiative responds to alarming statistics, as Washington experiences around 1,345 work zone crashes annually, not including near misses. The program aims to mitigate speeding—identified as a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in work zones—by utilizing automated cameras to capture speeding vehicles. When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the camera will photograph the vehicle and its license plate, and the registered owner will receive a notice of infraction in the mail. This program is backed by legislation that began in 2023 and is set to run until 2030, emphasizing the state's commitment to improving worker safety.

Construction workers have voiced concerns over the dangers they face, with nearly two-thirds reporting a crash in a construction zone last year. WSDOT hopes the cameras will encourage safer driving behaviors, similar to the impact of speed cameras near schools. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect vulnerable road users and enhance public safety.