Work zone safety emphasized; 43 ODOT crews struck so far in 2024

LIMA__The Ohio Department of Transportation officially kicked off highway construction season in northwest Ohio with a media event held at the County Road 99-Interstate 75 interchange in Findlay, where a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) will be constructed. The project will begin early this spring and conclude in 2026.

Notable highway projects in the Icon readership area:

• U.S. 68/State Route 15 interchange ramp relocation and roundabout construction, Hancock County
• U.S. 30 resurfacing between U.S. 68 and State Route 37, Hancock County

WORK ZONE SAFETY 

So far this year, 43 ODOT crews have been struck while working. This compares to 56 ODOT crews hit all of last year. 14 ODOT workers and nine contractors were injured in work zone crashes in 2023. Sadly, one contractor was killed. 

Last year, there were 4,098 work zone-related crashes in Ohio with 36% occurring when workers were present. There were 1,433 injuries from work zone-related crashes, 110 of them classified as serious injuries. Nine people were killed, including one contractor. August was the top month for work zone crashes with 523. Summit County led the state with 576 work zone crashes followed by Cuyahoga County with 521, and Lucas County with 413. By far, the top work zone crash type continues to be rear-end crashes. 

Speeding continues to be a major factor in work zone crashes. In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol wrote 3,760 citations with 34% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. 

“Driving requires all your attention, but that is especially true in work zones where things can change quickly. Drop the distractions, obey the speed limit, and allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you,” said Marchbanks. 

This week is also National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual event to remind motorists to be extra alert in work zones. On Wednesday, ODOT and other transportation agencies encourage you to wear orange to show support for road workers.