Arizona legislation defines a state highway work zone as "an area within state highway right-of-way" with "preliminary engineering work or construction, repair or maintenance work." Workers indicate these areas with traffic control devices, including:
- Signs
- Signals
- Barricades
- Road markings
Their purpose is to mark construction zones, direct traffic flow and post speed limits. ARS 28-652 states that the director of the Department of Transportation sets "standards and specifications" for traffic control devices.
Speed Limits Meet the Work Conditions
Speed limits can depend on the road's regular speed limit, the type of construction, how close workers are to traffic, lane restrictions and other variables. Long-term improvements along a Phoenix freeway, for example, may have a work zone with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. By contrast, an urban street with a usual speed limit of 35 miles per hour can have a much lower posted limit during construction.
Speed Limits Remain When No Workers Are Present
ARS 28-710 states that a work zone speed limit when no workers are present is the same as when they are. While this may seem strange or even unreasonable, especially when hurrying to get somewhere drivers and
pedestrians can get injured in a construction zone. The laws still apply.
Say, for example, you're driving through Mesa in a construction zone, and the lanes are narrower. They are challenging to navigate, and you must focus on staying in your lane and watching the cars around you. Driving the speed limit gives you time to react to changing patterns.
Consider also that workers may be present even if you don't see them. They could be operating equipment, standing behind concrete barricades or otherwise out of view.
What Are the Penalties for Speeding in a Work Zone With No Workers Present?
