The Nebraska State Patrol emphasized the importance of obeying the speed limit with a special enforcement Wednesday in a high-traffic construction zone near Lincoln.

Wednesday morning, troopers performed a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on speeding in the I-80 construction zone just west of Lincoln.

The construction zone, just west of Lincoln, includes lane shifts that move westbound traffic next to eastbound traffic.

In three hours time, troopers stopped 36 drivers for speeding The highest speed observed in the construction zone was 80 mph, which is 25 mph over the limit of 55 mph.

Troopers will closely monitor traffic in the area for the duration of the project, NSP spokesman Cody Thomas said.

“Road construction crews rely on the motoring public to keep them safe,” said Col, Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Whether it’s in this work zone or any other across Nebraska, follow the posted speed limit, pay attention to the road, and help ensure that these crews can perform their jobs safely.”

The effort came just nine days after motorists ran into trooper cruisers on successive days, one in Omaha and one near Paxton. The troopers were directing traffic at the scenes of accidents.

There are numerous work zones across the state, Thomas said.

Before hitting the road this summer, check Nebraska 511 for a map of ongoing projects and anticipate reduced speeds in those areas.

“The posted speed limit in these complex construction zones are not just random numbers. The work zone on the Interstate west of Lincoln, as with many other others across the state, requires these lower speeds to keep workers and drivers safe,” said Vicki Kramer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

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