Police Release Results From I-5 Saturation Patrol

Seven officers from various agencies cooperated with ODOT in an effort to slow traffic to legal speeds, particularly in construction areas.

File Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - A police traffic saturation patrol in Salem Tuesday resulted in 49 traffic citations and 15 warnings. Officers maintained a high profile, and no crashes were reported during the patrol

Seven motor officers from Oregon State Police, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Salem Police Department, and Keizer Police Department conducted the interagency saturation between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on a seven-mile stretch of Interstate 5 between Market Street and the Sunnyside/Turner interchange.

They say they focused the saturation in an area where ODOT is conducting a major bridge and highway construction project on Interstate 5 through southeast Salem.

The speed limit in the work zone has been reduced to 50 mph.

The seven officers from the four mentioned police agencies reported the following enforcement statistics:

45 speed-related citations (highest speed in work zone was 77 mph) 1 citation for Driving While Suspended 2 citations for Driving Uninsured 1 citation for Following Too Close (Total citations issued - 49)

In addition to citations issued, officers handed out 15 warnings for miscellaneous violations.

ODOT and OSP want to remind motorists that construction on this project will last for 30 months and is anticipated to end in June 2008. There are many highway construction work zones around the state and everyone is reminded to slow down, pay attention, and stay calm when traveling through these areas.