Ohio continues to improve its roads, with roundabouts replacing signalized intersections over the years and projects that prioritize school commuting safety.
One intersection in Ohio has seen a 100% reduction in fatalities after a the Ohio Department of Transportation made a small change.
Greene County intersection has improved, fatal crashes down 100% since ODOT conversion
The intersection of U.S. 42 and West Spring Valley Paintersville Road in Greene County has seen a significant reduction in crashes and fatalities after the Ohio Department of Transportation installed a Restricted Crossing U-Turn in 2020, which restricts all left turns and through movements.
Over six years, from 2012-2017, the intersection saw 26 crashes (an average of more than four per year). That included a 2017 incident with two fatalities. Most of the crashes over
those six years happened in dry conditions during daylight hours, according to an ODOT press release.
The fatalities prompted a public petition for safety improvements. ODOT responded with a crash study and plans to rework the intersection.
The revamped intersection opened in May 2021 after reconstruction. In the six years since, there have been just six accidents (an average of one per year) and no fatalities, according to ODOT. One accident resulted in minor injuries. That's a 77% drop in accident and a 100% decrease in fatalities at the intersection in Spring Valley.
“This project is the result of engineering research and traffic studies coming together to create a much safer intersection for Ohio drivers,” said District 8 Deputy Director Doug Gruver. “Any time we see a 100 percent decrease in fatalities it’s a major win for everyone.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ODOT made changes. Fatalities at one intersection dropped 100%
