State troopers plan to crack down on unsafe behaviors in work zones on the Turnpike through their “Operation Orange Squeeze” program this summer.

The program, which began nearly a decade ago in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, sees troopers from Troop T monitoring work zones using construction vehicles in order to catch drivers who are speeding in construction areas.

Earlier this year in April, Operation Orange Squeeze returned for the first time since the pandemic started and resulted in troopers issuing 436 citations, 395 warnings, and two DUI arrests.

“The goal is to make sure people are aware,” Cpl. Joe May of Pennsylvania State Police Troop T said in a statement. “It’s not so much the enforcement side of things but the safety aspect and how important it is to slow down.”

Mark Compton, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO, emphasized the turnpike and State Police’s commitment to safety.

“While we implement many safety measures in our work zones for the safety of both our workers and customers, we need drivers to work with us to ensure work zones are safe for everyone,” Compton said.

Last year saw eight reported work zone intrusions in Turnpike work zones, resulting in two injuries. In total, 45 Turnpike workers have died while on duty since 1940.

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