New speed enforcement starts in Jefferson City construction zone

Jefferson City Police are cracking down on speeders through construction zones, starting Monday. This week, the department will have extra officers patrolling the Layfayette Street interchange project on Highway 50.

The increased enforcement comes while crews pour the eastbound bridge deck on Highway 50, which requires construction workers to be even closer to the roadway.

While the speed limit is currently posted at 35 mph, authorities say they have had multiple complaints of drivers speeding through the construction zone.

It is a big safety issue in Missouri. The Highway Patrol says there were over 5,000 crashes in work zones statewide from January 2012 to December 2014 , including 23 deaths.

ABC 17 News will have a reporter riding along with a Jefferson City police officer Monday morning . Stay with ABC 17 News for the complete story, starting on ABC 17 News at 9 a.m. and Noon.