Illinois State Police increase patrols along I-57 near Mount Vernon ahead of holiday travel
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois State Police are increasing patrols and traffic enforcement along Interstate 57 near Mount Vernon to improve work zone safety ahead of the holiday travel season.
Earlier this month, ISP began dedicating daily resources to construction zones along I-57 as part of a safety initiative targeting speeding, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors.
During the first week of November, troopers issued more than 650 citations and warnings, conducted more than 80 commercial vehicle safety inspections and placed 17 commercial vehicles out of service.
ISP Director Brendan Kelly said the initiative involves collaboration among Troop 10 Patrol, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau and the Special Operations Group.
The increased enforcement focuses on encouraging drivers to slow down, maintain safe following distances, move over when required and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is also taking steps to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions in the construction zones.
IDOT has maintained two lanes of traffic in each direction during peak or daytime hours, scheduled some major construction activities during off-peak hours, reduced speed limits and installed additional lane markings to help guide motorists.
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi emphasized the importance of protecting construction workers and drivers.
“In any work zone, the people working behind the cones and barricades want to get home safely to their families and loved ones,” Biagi said.
According to ISP, 50% of crashes handled by troopers in Jefferson County last year occurred in work zones.
Construction in the two I-57 work zones near Mount Vernon is expected to continue until June and October 2027.
Work zone violations carry significant penalties in Illinois:
– First speeding offense: A minimum $250 fine.
– Second speeding offense: A $750 fine and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
– Speeding violations resulting in injury: A mandatory license suspension ranging from six months to two years.
– Move Over Law violations: Fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 for a first offense. Violations resulting in injury can lead to license revocation.
State police remind drivers that Illinois’ Move Over Law requires motorists approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights to slow down and move over.
Authorities encourage drivers to allow extra travel time, reduce speeds, avoid following too closely and remain alert when traveling through construction zones.
ISP said the increased enforcement efforts are intended to reduce crashes and protect both motorists and construction workers as holiday traffic increases.
