Because
crashes and congestion are closely linked, ODOT has initiated
several new programs to reduce congestion on Ohio highways,
including:
Freeway Service Patrols
ODOT operates patrols in Akron, Cleveland,
Columbus
and Cincinnati. Skilled drivers patrol the freeways to help stranded
motorists, and detect and remove highway accidents, spills and debris
more quickly.
News Release
Freeway Management Systems
ODOT has traffic management centers in
Columbus and Cleveland to detect and clear freeway incidents quickly,
as well as communicate real-time traffic information to the public.
These freeway management systems use high-tech components such as
pavement sensors, ramp meters, cameras, and freeway message signs to
optimize freeway operations. These systems will eventually be
expanded to other urban areas such as Toledo
and Dayton.
News Release
Freeway Reference Markers
In 2003, ODOT expanded its use of freeway reference markers to help
motorists pinpoint their location in an emergency. The signs include
the route, direction of travel and pinpoint a motorist’s location to
within two-tenths of a mile on the freeway. The signs were created by
Ohio and have been successfully used in Cincinnati, as well as other
states.
News Release
Incident Management
ODOT recently teamed with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and
local law enforcement agencies to create lane closure protocols and
establish detour routes in the event of a highway emergency.
Quick Clear Web site
Ohio Safe Commute
Ohio Safe Commute places law enforcement officers along the busiest,
high-crash highways during peak travel times. Officers patrol these
corridors to enforce the speed limit and look for aggressive drivers.
In addition, when crashes occur, officers will respond quickly to
clear the crash scene. Drivers involved in minor crashes are directed
off the highway to complete crash reports.
News Release
Cable Barrier
Since 2003, Ohio has been testing the use of median cable
barrier designed to prevent cross-median crashes, especially on
high-speed, heavily traveled interstates. These systems are
proving to be cost-effective in "catching" vehicles to prevent them
from crossing the highway into opposing traffic or bounding back into
the stream of traffic.
Fact Sheet
Work Zone Traffic Policy
ODOT has established statewide policies and procedures that restrict
construction- and maintenance-related lane closures to certain times
of the day and require District Offices to take extra steps to reduce work
zone congestion.
News Release |