The warnings are over: Speeding drivers in I-95/Rt. 896 work zone will start seeing fines

18,000 drivers.

That's how many motorists landed themselves warnings per day during the first week of a safety program designed to slow drivers speeding through Delaware's current largest infrastructure project, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The warnings have gone to motorists driving 11 miles or more than the posted speed limit of 55 mph in the I-95/Route 896 interchange work zone. But starting next week, the 21-day warning period ends and speeding motorists will now receive fines.

How much will speeding cost you?

"Beginning July 30, 2024, registered vehicle owners receiving a first offense will receive a base violation of $20 and an additional amount is added for each mile per hour over the posted work zone speed limit," said Kathryn Beasley, a DelDOT spokesperson.

For example, if the motorist is caught doing 66 mph, the speed violation is $20, plus an additional $11 — a dollar for each mile over the 55-mph posted work-zone speed limit. There will also be an assessment of other fees totalling $118.

Second and subsequent offenses are higher. These violations are civil penalties only, and no points will be assessed to driver's licenses, DelDOT said.

How long will those speed cameras be up?

Attempts to slow speeding motorists in the work zone are part of the Electronic Speed Safety Program, which uses speed cameras to capture speedsters.

More: Slow down! Speed cameras returning to an I-95 construction zone

The cameras will remain the length of the $279 million construction project, which is slated to end in October 2025.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: The warnings are over: Speeding drivers in I-95/Rt. 896 work zone will start seeing fines