Undercover Troopers Monitor Traffic At Local Construction Site

The New York State Troop “C” Traffic Incident Management Unit and the Department of Transportation worked together on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, on an Operation Hard Hat enforcement detail in the town of Vestal.

Over the past month, DOT construction crews have been in the midst of bridge work on Interstate 86/State Route 17 Eastbound. The driving lane is shut down while work is being performed. The roadwork was projected to take approximately two months.

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According to the NYS DOT and New York State Police, the lane that is shut down is dangerously close to the passing lane, with vehicles passing by. That lane narrows on the bridge with a posted speed limit of 55 mph in the construction zone.

What Is Operation Hard Hat?

This operation targets reckless and distracted drivers in work zones, cracking down on work zone violations and emphasizing the importance of safe driving when approaching construction, maintenance, and emergency operations along New York State highways.

On Wednesday, New York State Troopers were embedded in the construction zone, dressed as construction workers on the lookout for reckless behavior, including motorists speeding and using electronic devices while driving.

According to the New York State Police, a total of 54 citations were issued, including one for traveling at 82 mph in the designated zone.

Breakdown Of 54 Traffic Citations

• 20 - cellphones (operating an electronic device)
• 16 - speeding
• 11 – no seatbelt
• 2 – improper child restraints
• 1 – following too closely
• 4 – other

The New York State Police and DOT remind motorists to drive responsibly in work zones, note that the speed limit is reduced, pay attention to signage, be alert, patient, and focus on just driving. Keep those hard-working construction crews safe.