Maine Considers Speed Camera Pilot for Turnpike Work Zones

Proposed bill would allow Maine Turnpike Authority to test speed enforcement cameras to improve safety and reduce crashes.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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In response to the recent deaths of two Maine Department of Transportation workers in a work zone on I-95, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to launch a three-year pilot program using up to three speed enforcement cameras in active work zones along the Maine Turnpike. The goal is to reduce speeding and crashes in work zones, with a focus on prevention rather than punishment.

Why it matters

Work zone safety is a major concern, with data showing over 2,900 crashes in Maine Turnpike work zones between 2020-2024, resulting in 944 injuries and 16 fatalities. The recent deaths of two MaineDOT workers have added urgency to finding new solutions to slow down drivers and protect workers on the ground.

The details

The proposed bill, LD 1457, would allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to install speed enforcement cameras in active work zones. Drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 mph or more would trigger the cameras, which would only record license plates and not individual drivers. First-time offenders would receive a warning, with fines issued only for repeat violations. Large, visible signs would warn drivers that speed enforcement is in effect.

  • Between 2020 and 2024, there were 2,979 crashes in turnpike work zones, injuring 944 people and killing 16.
  • Two MaineDOT workers were killed in a work zone on I-95 two weeks ago.

The players

Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA)

The state agency that oversees the Maine Turnpike and is proposing the speed camera pilot program.

Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT)

The state transportation agency that has seen two workers killed in a work zone on I-95, adding urgency to the push for new safety measures.

Kristi Van Ooyen

Deputy chief engineer for the Maine Turnpike Authority, who says the goal is to get drivers to slow down rather than issue violations.

Glenn Adams

A construction worker for Sargent who believes speed cameras could make a difference in work zone safety, especially with a warning-first approach.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is that we never have to give a violation. We really just want people to slow down, so we can keep workers and the public safe.”

— Kristi Van Ooyen, Deputy Chief Engineer, Maine Turnpike Authority

“It sucks the wind right out of you. And that gets you thinking.”

— Glenn Adams, Construction Worker, Sargent

“Once you get that first warning, it becomes real to them.”

— Glenn Adams, Construction Worker, Sargent

What’s next

The Maine Legislature will consider LD 1457, the bill that would allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to launch the speed camera pilot program, in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This proposed speed camera pilot program aims to improve work zone safety on the Maine Turnpike by deterring speeding and reducing crashes, rather than relying solely on punishment. The warning-first approach and visible signage are designed to change driver behavior and save lives of both workers and the public.