Work Zone message from Illinois Tollway

I received this message from the Tollway today. Perhaps they emailed it to all IPass users. The Work Zone is 37 miles long. The 45MPH speed limit is in effect 24/7. Period. Whether or not there is adequate signing. Whether or not there is a stray (higher) speed limit sign. 45. All the way.

N.B. Read and understand the part about cell phones in the Work Zone.

A 45 mph work zone speed limit is in place throughout 37 miles of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) between Elgin and Rockford, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether workers are present.

On I-90, all traffic between I-39 in Rockford and the Elgin Toll Plaza is now traveling on the westbound side of the road, with two lanes available in both directions. Truck traffic is encouraged to travel in the left lanes rather than on the right. Drivers have access to all entrance and exit ramps, with crossovers in place to allow eastbound traffic to access the interchanges through the work zone. Between Irene Road near Belvidere and I-39, westbound traffic is reduced to one lane for rebuilding and widening the Kishwaukee River Bridge. An alternate route via Irene Road and U.S. Route 20 is posted.
Drive 45 mph at all times in the I-90 work zone because:

• It's the law
• Work zone traffic lanes are narrower than other lanes
• There are no shoulders
• Traffic patterns shift often throughout the work zone
• Pavement is uneven in sections
• Barrier walls create a feeling of confinement
• Trucks are traveling on the left

Tips for driving in the I-90 work zone
Obey the speed limit and slow down.
Speeding is a factor in nearly half of all fatal crashes in Illinois. The speed limit is 45 mph at all times, 24/7, even when workers are not present.
Pay attention.
Watch for signs posted throughout the I-90 construction zone advising of traffic shifts, roadway incidents and other warnings.
No cell phones in work zones.
Distracted driving laws prohibit the use of all hand-held electronic devices in construction work zones.
Don't tailgate.
One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Traffic in work zones makes sudden stops. Give trucks the space they need to change lanes.
If passing a truck, do so quickly and keep out of a truck's blind spot.
Don't continuously drive alongside a truck - you're in the driver's blind spot. Change lanes only when you can see the truck's headlights or front grill in your rearview mirror.
Trucks create wind gusts.
Keep both hands on the wheel when passing or being passed by a truck.
Expect the unexpected.
Traffic patterns change often in the I-90 construction work zone and pavement may be uneven in sections.
Speeding will cost you.
The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375 for the first offense and a minimum of $1,000 for the second offense, which also may result in your driver's license being suspended. Hitting a worker in a work zone could result in a fine of $10,000 and up to 14 years in jail.
For more information visit the work zone safety section of the Tollway's website.