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Troopers Conduct Operation Hard Hat detail in Cortland County NY
The New York State Police Troop C Traffic Incident Management (TIM) unit, in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), conducted an Operation Hard Hat detail on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Cortland County.
The detail was conducted on Interstate 81 in the town of Preble. A total of 32 citations were issued. Of those 32 citations, 10 were for speeding and 13 were for distracted driving.
The active work zone was posted with warning signs notifying motorists of ongoing roadwork.
During the detail, one driver was stopped for traveling 77 mph through the active work zone.
Operation Hard Hat is a targeted traffic enforcement initiative designed to improve safety for highway workers and motorists. The initiative focuses on reducing dangerous driving behaviors in active work zones, protecting the men and women who maintain New York’s highways, and improving safety in constructions zones across the state.
As part of Operation Hard Hat, State Troopers are embedded within active work zones, often dressed as highway maintenance workers to observe motorists committing violations such as speeding, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors. Once a violation is observed, uniformed Troopers in the area are advised and issue the appropriate citation.
The New York State Police remind motorists that highway work zones are temporary but the risks to workers are real. Please slow down, stay alert, eliminate distractions, obey posted speed limits, and move over when required.
Fines are doubled in work zones and multiple convictions could result in the suspension of a driver’s license.
