ODOT
preparing for another near-record construction season
Since
2011, we’ve invested $16.4 billion into nearly 8,000 projects
COLUMBUS (Tuesday, April 3, 2018)– This year, the Ohio
Department of Transportation is investing $2.35 billion into nearly 1,000
projects that will preserve existing roads and bridges, enhance capacity, and
improve safety.
“Roads and bridges don’t get better over
time. That’s why 90 cents of every dollar we’re investing this year is to take
care of what we have,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “We’re using better data
and more frequent maintenance to address the small issues with our
infrastructure before they become big issues.”
ODOT and contractors will repair or
replace 5,645 miles of pavement, enough to pave a four-lane highway from
Columbus to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and perform work on 1,040 
bridges.
While orange barrels can be an
inconvenience, they are a sign of progress and improvement. Since 2011, ODOT
has invested an unprecedented $16.4 billion into 7,918 projects across the
state. ODOT is responsible for maintaining 43,211 lane miles of roadway and
14,095 bridges. Ohio has the 4th largest interstate system by lane
miles. Ohio’s transportation infrastructure supports the state’s 6.5 million
jobs.
“Our transportation network is Ohio’s most
valuable man-made asset,” said Wray. “It gives us the ability to move goods to
market, get to work, take our children to school, visit an amusement park or
explore the beautiful natural wonders of Ohio.”
Despite a near-record level of road
work, last year saw the second lowest number of work zone crashes in a decade
in Ohio. There were 4,891 work zone crashes, resulting in 119 serious injuries
and 19 deaths. The vast majority of these crashes were caused by drivers
following too close.
“We need drivers to pay attention every
moment they are behind the wheel, but it’s even more vital in work zones. These
zones often contain narrow lanes and changing traffic patterns. When driving
through work zones, drivers need to leave more room between their vehicle and
the vehicle in front of them, slow down, pay attention, and avoid all
distractions,” Wray said.
ODOT crews were struck 152 times last
year. Ohio law requires that drivers move over or slow down when they see our
crews working along the roadway.
Unfortunately, through the years 162
ODOT employees have lost their lives while on the job.
