Kentucky's 1st automated speed cameras will soon be active in 3 highway work zones

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is in the process of installing automated cameras, flagging drivers who speed through active work and construction zones.

Some of the first locations to receive cameras in the coming weeks include a work zone on U.S. 25 in Fayette County, an I-75 work zone near Corbin, and one on I-64 in Shelby County, according to a news release.

The devices will not be active at first, so drivers will have time to adjust to the presence of the new technology before enforcement begins in October.

It's a move aimed at reducing the risks faced by construction crews working on Kentucky highways. In 2024 alone, Kentucky recorded more than 1,200 work zone crashes, injuring nearly 300 people and killing seven — including Blake Barnes, a road maintenance worker in Hodgenville.

Earlier this year, the state passed House Bill 664. Known as the Jared Lee Helton Act of 2025, it's named in honor of a 22-year-old killed in a work zone crash in 2018. The new law signed by Gov. Andy Beshear authorizes automated speed enforcement in active work zones.

When the camera detects a driver traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit in a construction zone when a worker is present, the license plate of the vehicle is flagged. The driver can then be issued a civil citation -- but a police officer must be nearby to issue the citation.

"Nobody will receive a ticket in the mail," Major Eric Walker with Kentucky State Police said in a previous WDRB report. "There will be no text messages sent to you."

Work zones with automated enforcement will feature clear warning signs and flashing lights so drivers know when they are approaching an area where cameras are active. Tickets will only be issued in person by law enforcement officers based on detector data, and fines can be up to $500 when workers are present.

Work Zone Speed camera warning sign — Pictured: a sign warns Kentucky drivers that their speed is being monitored by traffic cameras that will take photos of any driver speeding more than 10 mph in a posted work zone so a nearby police officer can issue a citation. (WDRB/Reyna Katko)
Reyna Katko

"This is about saving lives, not writing tickets," Maj. Walker said in the news release. "By slowing down and staying alert, drivers can protect themselves, their families, and the workers improving our roads. These cameras give us another tool to stop dangerous driving before it costs lives."

The Kentucky State Police will oversee enforcement at the initial locations for the remainder of the year.