PUEBLO, Colo. (KOAA) — Drivers speeding through the I-25 and U.S. 50B construction zone in Pueblo will now face fines instead of warnings as CDOT officially begins issuing tickets through its automated speed enforcement program.
The speed cameras were installed at the end of June as part of the ongoing reconstruction project at the busy construction zone. During the first 30 days, drivers caught speeding only received warning notices in the mail to give motorists time to adjust.
- Watch News5's previous coverage on the speed cameras below:
CDOT says more than 11,000 warnings were issued during that grace period. Now, drivers going 10 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit will receive a $75 citation in the mail.
The violation does not add points to a driver’s license. State transportation officials say the cameras are already changing driver behavior.
“Our data is really looking forward. It shows that excessive speeding is down by almost 70% in the I-25 US 50B reconstruction zone,” said a CDOT spokesperson.
CDOT says the location was selected because of the high traffic volume and the dangers that come with an active construction zone.
“This particular location was chosen in Pueblo because of the work zone, which creates a challenging environment for drivers, and the high volume of traffic every day,” said the spokesperson. “This is a good place to put those cameras.”
The interchange project has been under construction since December 2024 and is expected to continue through the summer of 2027.
Drivers News5's Jaylen Lee spoke with had mixed opinions about the cameras, but agreed that slowing down is important.
“Honestly, in this area, the speed is crazy. People be driving so fast, so it’s a good thing that people will get punished for it,” said Christopher Olson, a Pueblo driver.
Another driver, Isaac Montez, said that after receiving a warning notice, he had already changed the way he drives through the area.
“I just know around that area to slow down because I got a warning in the mail,” said Montez. “Definitely don’t want to get a ticket.”
CDOT says the goal of the program is safety, not punishment.
“We’re not here to punish drivers,” said the spokesperson. “We’re really here just to remind them that construction zones can be dangerous, school zones can be dangerous for all motorists and pedestrians, and it’s really important to follow those posted speeds.”
___
First reading of funding for the Leonardo da Vinci museum approved
Pueblo City Council approved the first reading 7-0 Monday on whether to give the Leonardo da Vinci Museum $885,000 in taxpayer money, a request that has drawn scrutiny from community members.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
