New rules for construction zones on Alberta highways require contractors to cover speed reduction signs when there aren’t any workers on site and if there aren’t any safety hazards.

When workers and hazards aren’t present, speeding fines and demerits won’t be doubled, Transportation Minister Brian Mason announced Tuesday.

Fines will continue to be doubled when construction workers are on site, Mason said.

“There’s confusion now because you’ve got these speed zones that are being enforced and there’s no construction happening on Sundays, for example,” Mason said at a news conference in Edmonton.

“They’re supposed to be covered, but they’re not. So that’s where the confusion is. This eliminates confusion.”

The government is also limiting the length of highway lane closures. Under the new rules, they are now limited to a maximum of three kilometres, in most cases.

Drivers will also have more warning and time to reduce their speed when required.

The new rules are already in effect, and were created with the goal of balancing safety and traffic flow. Alberta Transportation will monitor construction sites to ensure maintenance contractors are abiding by them, Mason said.

Keep reading on CBC News

 

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