Durham Authorities Crack Down On Construction Zone Speeders

"I-85 and U.S. 70 are the biggest concerns we have right now," said Sgt. Adam Clayton, of the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

The posted speed limit in the work zone is 45 miles per hour. Clayton said many drivers go as fast as 70 miles per hour. Violators face a $250 to $500 fine, plus $100 in court costs.

Officers say apparently, the construction signs posted at work zones are not working. They said they get dozens of complaints every day about speeders and tailgaters in construction zones.

Construction workers said their jobs are high-risk.

"It makes us nervous. If anything was to happen, they could come in through the barrier and we'd be in trouble," construction worker Tim Williamson said. "When the big trucks come and you can tell they are going through, they'll just take your hats off and everything."

Construction workers said the crackdowns make a difference. Drivers like Monroe Lanier may not like the price they have to pay for speeding, but they understand why the officers are out there.

"They're just doing their job and at least I know where my tax dollars are going," he said.

Officers ticketed more than 40 drivers in a two-hour period. Durham police and sheriff's deputies said they team up twice a month for the joint project.