OHIO — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is deploying a seized semi-truck to catch speeders in work zones along the Ohio Turnpike, turning the commercial vehicle into a rolling speed enforcement platform equipped with radar and radio communication.
The semi was seized under the Ohio Drug Offender Law and is typically used for recruitment and education purposes. OSHP saw an opportunity to put it to work for speed enforcement in construction zones. Two troopers ride in the truck during enforcement details — one drives and operates the speed radar while the other communicates with troopers on the road via radio. When a speeding vehicle is identified, nearby troopers follow the vehicle and wait for confirmation before making the traffic stop.
OSHP Sergeant Ryan Purpura said work zone speeding is a persistent problem. In 2025, OSHP issued 2,142 work zone speeding citations along the turnpike alone. More than half of those citations were for speeds 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit.
The Ohio Turnpike welcomed the enforcement presence. “It’s such a high profile enforcement detail that’s clearly going to get the attention of motorists in our work zones especially,” said Ohio Turnpike Public Information Officer Brian Newbacher. The stakes are high — more than 1,000 workers are expected to be active on the turnpike in 2026 as a continued pavement replacement project moves forward.
“If you don’t see them right away, they are going to be there, whether it’s in a median wall. Some cases there are no barriers. Just cones and barrels,” Newbacher said. “Just plan ahead a few extra minutes. You’ll get to your destination safely, and our workers will get home safely.”
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