Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks unveiled plans for over two dozen road safety projects, aimed at addressing areas with a history of severe and fatal crashes.
Under ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, an investment of nearly $87 million will be allocated to 28 roadway safety projects across 22 counties. The primary focus will be on enhancing dangerous intersections, where a significant number of accidents occur.
Statistics from ODOT reveal that intersection-related crashes contribute to approximately 30 percent of all traffic fatalities annually, claiming 362 lives in 2023 and 104 lives so far this year.
“Ensuring the safety of our roadways is paramount,” stated Governor DeWine. “Our objective is to save lives by implementing measures to enhance safety at hazardous intersections.” Among the planned improvements is a $4.5 million roundabout slated for the intersection of 752 and Walnut Creek Pike in 2029.
Roundabouts have demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing the risk of fatal crashes at intersections. Studies conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) indicate that roundabouts lead to a 44 percent decrease in crashes and reduce serious and fatal incidents by nearly 90 percent at two-way stop intersections. Moreover, when roundabouts replace traffic signals, FHWA found a 48 percent reduction in crashes and an almost 80 percent decrease in serious and fatal crashes.
“ODOT’s mission encompasses the construction and maintenance of a transportation network that prioritizes safety. This is a responsibility we approach with the utmost seriousness,” remarked ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “However, we also urge drivers to adhere to fundamental practices such as obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts, driving sober, and, most importantly, staying vigilant.”
The announcement underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing road safety and underscores the importance of collective efforts to reduce accidents and save lives on Ohio’s roadways.
