HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)- Spring in Pennsylvania means more roadway construction projects happening across the state, putting thousands of workers on roadways.

“This means improved roads and bridges, but it also means danger for PennDOT workers and our contractors,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

According to PennDOT data, last year there were over 1,200 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940. Those numbers were represented in a memorial at Soldier’s Grove in Harrisburg. 

“It’s kind of scary, hopefully, you don’t ever see any of your friends or yourself in that situation,” said Zac Seidel, a PA Turnpike equipment operator.

Seidel says he sees drivers often too focused on where they’re going instead of who they’re sharing the road with.

“Most people were willing to take a chance at speeding or not caring because there was little chance they were going to get caught,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey.

 Earlier this year, the enforcement of the statewide Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program began. Using a vehicle-mounted system in work zones, it can detect drivers exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more.

Registered owners receive a warning letter for the first offense; a violation notice and a $75 fine for the second offense; and a violation notice and a $150 fine for the third and subsequent offenses. 

“We’ve seen great results, we’ve seen speeds reduced, crashes reduced, see people paying attention, behaving as we need them to,” said Shuey.