D-O-T drops speed in some work zones

The Iowa Department of Transportation is dropping the speed limit in some work zones. Steve Gent of the D-O-T traffic safety office says they’re posting signs around some temporary work zones requiring drivers to slow to 55 miles-an-hour. The change comes on multi-lane highways in which one lane is closed for a short-term repair job. In the past, the D-O-T had allowed drivers to cruise by the work zone in the open lane at the regular 60 to 65 miles-an-hour speed limit. Gent says the work zone designation means any fines for traffic violations in the area will double. And he says they’re hiring off-duty state troopers to increase patrols of the temporary zones.Gent says you may encounter one of these zones on any multi-lane highway across the state.