Speeding past orange barrels could bring $300 fine

Drivers who speed through highway work zones in Minnesota will soon face bigger fines.

The new $300 penalty begins Friday and will apply uniformly to all roadways in the state. That's up from the current fine of $212. Lawmakers passed the measure last session.

There are thousands of construction workers putting their lives on the line every day, Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle said during a news conference Monday to highlight the law.

There are more than 1,700 crashes in work zones statewide each year and 31 people have died in work zone crashes since 2010, Zelle said, adding that the bigger fine should grab motorists' attention and get them to slow down.

"Safety in the work zone is one of our top priorities. Our workers, like everyone else, deserve to work in a safe place," he said. "They also deserve to go home each night to their families."