FRANKLIN, Tenn. -
Franklin police are beginning to crack down on drivers who are running through construction barricades.
Currently there are construction projects all over the downtown area and there are ‘Road Closed' signs up to protect workers and motorists alike.
However despite the signs, police told Nashville's News 2 Investigates drivers are routinely running the barricades which put themselves and others at risk.
According to Sgt. Charles Warner, in the last week and a half police have written more than 20 citations to motorists who drive around the barricades.
"There are two different ways officers are citing people," Warner explained. "One is to city court and one is a misdemeanor citation."
He added, "Misdemeanor citations can be punishable up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and up to a $500 fine. It's not worth taking a turn on this street to avoid a minor inconvenience. If you do, your next stop could be a court room."
While Nashville's News 2 Investigates was with police on Friday, officers pulled over two motorists who went around a barrier.
Both of the drivers were warned and neither received citations.
When asked, one of the motorists reported they drove down the closed road because they did not know where to go or where to make a U-turn.
"I didn't know the road was closed," the driver said.
Warner replied by pointing out the sign said the road is closed.
"You can't drive down a closed road to figure that out. Here is the deal, there's no excuse in the world to go past a big barricade that says road closed. It poses a danger to you and to workers. The fine is up to $2,500. It's a misdemeanor offense. Be careful," he said.
Officials said road projects will continue into the fall.
Police are expected to continue enforcing citations driving through barricades.
