The construction zone speed limit signs would be in effect only when construction workers are present, under a bill introduced Friday during the third day of the 2009 legislative session.

The signs themselves would have to carry the additional words “when construction workers are present,” said Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine, who introduced the bill on behalf of constituents frustrated by the ever-changing construction zones on the Interstate between Lincoln and Omaha.

There have been 11 different areas where the speed limit changes between the two cities, Fischer has been told.

Fischer said the bill is intended to create discussion and give the Nebraska Department of Roads staff a chance to talk about the construction zone issues, including liability issues when there is heavy equipment parked near traffic lanes.

The agency had not yet looked at the bill Friday morning and had no comment, according to Mary Jo Oie, spokeswoman for the department.

The bill does not change the fine system, where speeding fines are doubled in construction zones.

The bill (LB111) is among the155 bills and one constitutional amendment proposal introduced over the past two days in the first step of the legislative process.  Bill introduction will continue until Jan. 21.

All bills will have a public hearing before a legislative committee this winter before committee members decide whether to send the measure to the full Legislature.

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.