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NEWS RELEASE |
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Ohio
Department of Transportation Internet News Release |
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ODOT ANNOUNCES 2002 CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Battle Plan Set to Reduce Congestion; Ease Driver Stress Construction
Work Zone Strategies | Ohio
Interstate Construction 2002 Brochure | (COLUMBUS) ODOT kicks off its 2002 construction season this month with $1.3 billion in resurfacing, reconstruction and major new projects, including 68 projects to improve Ohios interstates. But with the construction also comes a battle plan for reducing construction-related delays. During 2001, ODOT spent an additional $30 million to make work zones more convenient for motorists. The department expects to spend a similar amount this year on construction strategies that will make work zones less stressful for Ohio drivers. "We have a significant number of projects on one of the most heavily traveled highway networks in the nation," said ODOT Director Gordon Proctor. "Thats why were making extraordinary efforts statewide to reduce congestion in work zones and ease the impact of construction on motorists." Of the 68 interstate construction projects planned for this year, 59 include contract provisions that restrict work to off-peak travel times, speed the pace of construction, or reward or penalize contractors for early completion or delays. In addition, Ohio may be the only state in the nation that requires contractors to maintain at least two lanes in each direction during daytime hours on the heavily traveled interstates. Exceptions are granted only under rare circumstances. "Years ago, it was common practice to close a lane of traffic without regard to traffic volumes, which often resulted in large-scale backups," Proctor said. "But, today motorist delays and the cost of congestion are critical when planning work zones." As part of the kick off, ODOT is also distributing its 2002 Interstate Construction Brochure, which is available through local ODOT offices and online. The brochure is a good tool to help motorists plan ahead for local or statewide interstate travel.
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