Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010 (PDF, 1MB)

Key Accomplishments

• Developed collaborative process for safety planning focused on work zones.
• Increased consideration of safety in work zone design.

Work zones are often high-crash locations, and many of the crashes in work zones involve commercial vehicles. Enforcement can be challenging, especially if the work zones are not designed to accommodate enforcement activities. For example, if the work zone covers a long stretch of road, law enforcement officers may not have adequate room to safely pull vehicles over.

Ohio’s SHSP identified work zone safety as an emphasis area. A team consisting of engineers, law enforcement officers, and Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) personnel was formed to better understand the issue of work zone safety. This Work Zone Safety Team collaborated with key agencies to discuss issues, pool resources, target efforts, and develop a comprehensive work zone safety plan.

To improve work zone safety performance, the Team develops a comprehensive plan to improve safety and enable improved enforcement for all work zones scheduled by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) each year. This multiagency effort incorporates resources and input from the highway patrol, engineering, MCSAP, and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. The group works together to identify work zone areas to target with increased enforcement and inspection efforts. The highway patrol identified appropriate locations for speed enforcement. MCSAP provided truck enforcement and truck inspection support. In some cases, the Department of Public Safety used §402 funds to provide additional non truck-related enforcement. The Team also provides construction zone signage information to improve safety and aid enforcement efforts.

Results

The Work Zone Safety Team now conducts annual strategic planning related to safety in and around work zones. As a result, the ODOT engineering department has changed its construction zone design practices to better accommodate trucks. The department also has adopted practices that better accommodate enforcement activities in its work zones.

Contact:
Michelle May
Safety Program Manager
Ohio DOT
614-644-8309
Michelle.May@dot.state.oh.us