Do road construction speed limits apply if there are no workers around? See Kansas law

Construction can add an extra nuisance to your morning commute, as well as the possibility of pricier penalties if you go over the speed limit.

Penalties for going over the speed limit double in work zones, but what about if no one is actively working in them?

The Federal Highway Administration defines a work zone as “an area of a trafficway with highway construction, maintenance, or utility-work activities.”

Kansas statute reads : “It shall be unlawful for any person to fail, neglect or refuse to comply with restrictions or traffic regulations in a road construction zone or fail to comply with traffic orders or traffic directions by a flagman in a road construction zone.”

Even if there are no active workers in the area, you still have to follow the posted work zone speed limit in Kansas.

Construction zones can have extra hazards that require driving slower even when there are no workers on the roads. For example, the lanes could be smaller, traffic could be shifted to a corner of the road or two-way traffic could be closer together.

Kansas Statute says the secretary of transportation, who oversees the Kansas Department of Transportation, is responsible for establishing speed limits in a road construction zone on any highway that is under the secretary’s jurisdiction.

“The speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected,” the statute reads.

Driving safely through a work zone

Driving through a work zone often requires more focus, especially when there are workers actively on the road.

Here are some tips to keep both you and the road workers safe, from the Kansas Department of Transportation:

• Plan ahead for delays so you’re not in a rush.
• Keep an eye out for workers.
• Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to allow for sudden stops or changes in direction.
• Change lanes when directed to.