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Long work zone in Huntley

Long work zone in Huntley

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
April 24, 2010

Today I drove through Huntley's 35MPH Work Zone on Route 47. When you are southbound, the zone starts well north of any road or shoulder construction, and it's easy to decide not to slow down to 35.

But check the advisory sign at the bottom. The fine is a minimum of $250, plus a mandatory $125, bringing the total to $375. On top of that, just imagine the court courts when you try to leave the McHenry County Circuit Court. How much? It's anyone's guess, but my guess is another $200-300.

And, if you are your handheld cell phone, you can probably count on a ticket for that, too.

So, is it fair, proper, appropriate to require drivers to obey Work Zone speed limits when there are no construction workers present? The Work Zone speed limit is enforceable 24/7. The prior law was enforceable only when workers were present and/or warning lights were flashing.

The legislators changed that. Say "Thank you, Legislators." They cry about all the injuries to Work Zone workers, but it seems to me that most of the injuries in Work Zones were to motorists or passengers, not to workers. So, what's with the 24/7 enforcement?