Triple-digit heat not stopping holiday travelers; 800,000 in CT expected to hit the roads
This is the last weekend drivers will get a break on automated speed cameras in highway work zones. Starting Monday, automated speed cameras will issue fines at three work zones – I-95 in West Haven and East Lyme, as well as Route 2 in Colchester.
More Stories
The thermometer is hitting triple digits, but it’s not stopping people from traveling for the Fourth of July holiday.
AAA estimates that 800,000 Connecticut drivers will hit the road, despite the heat and lingering high gas prices.
Chris Bengtson, of Manchester, paid $4.49 a gallon at the I-95 service plaza in Darien.
“Astronomical,” he said. “Nonsense.”
But it’s not changing his holiday plans. Neither is this scorching heat.
“Not at all,” Bengtson said. “Probably still hanging out. Maybe hang out by the pool; have a little cookout.”
Traffic is already crawling two days before the Fourth of July.
“It’s crazy,” said Wayne Smith, of Stratford. “Started really early this morning.”
Connecticut State Police are getting an early start, too.
“We’re following two weekends of fatalities in the state of Connecticut, and this is a good opportunity to remind people just because there will be more people on the roadway,” said Trooper Stefanie Gurski. “We want to enforce these safety tips and give action items for everybody because we can't do it alone.”
Even if you don't see a trooper, you could still get a ticket.
Starting Monday, automated speed cameras will issue fines at three work zones – I-95 in West Haven and East Lyme, as well as Route 2 in Colchester.
The first offense is a warning, but the next ticket will cost you $75.
The fines won’t start until after the holiday weekend.
“We paused all non-emergency work all across the state, so that doesn't mean that you're not going to see some crews that are out there,” said Eva Zymaris, Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesperson. “But again, that work will be emergency in nature.”
