On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the state would invest $121 million into 50 traffic safety projects.
The projects include the installation of more than 20 roundabouts in several counties. The roundabouts are expected to decrease traffic fatalities. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), between 2007 and 2021, there were only six traffic deaths at roundabouts. During the same time, the state saw 1,126 deaths at signalized or stop-controlled intersections.
“A top priority of my administration has been making travel in our state safer – particularly at Ohio intersections that are known to be dangerous,” DeWine said. “Studies show that roundabouts significantly reduce the likelihood of serious or deadly intersection crashes, so we’re investing in these projects today to save lives in the future.”
The state will invest in 50 project development, right of way, and construction projects in 31 counties across the state, including safer pedestrian crossings, traffic signal upgrades, and turn lane improvements.
Funding for the projects comes from ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, one of the largest traffic safety programs in the country. The Friday announcement is in addition to a May announcement that the state would invest $51 million in traffic safety improvement projects to address pedestrian-involved traffic crashes and fatal roadway departures on state and local roads.
Projects range from a $6 million project to improve pedestrian safety through signage and markings along a 3-mile corridor on Harrison Avenue in Cincinnati to a $348,000 project in Lorain that would improve signal visibility with mast arms and reflective back plates.