|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Originally published Aug. 5, 2024
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Following a series of accidents on the I-470/70 west split in Belmont County, the Ohio Department of Transportation stepped in to address this ongoing problem in late July.
River News Network followed up with ODOT Statewide Press Secretary Matt Bruning about the completion of its safety measures on what locals who know the road’s dangers call it–the “St. C. Suicide Split.”
Last month, ODOT added a microlayer to both east and westbound lanes to improve traction and this should improve safety, Bruning says.
We believe this will address any safety issues on this stretch of I-470.
ODOT Statewide Press Secretary Matt Bruning
Bruning said since 470 was repaved in August or September of 2023, there have been issues with crashes, especially when the pavement is wet following rain.
Bruning said there have been approximately 380 crashes on I-470 since 2019 and about 130 of those were speed-related. He cautions drivers to reduce their speed.
Bruning said the microlayer work was completed within a couple of days in late July 2024 to improve traction.
Crews put down a microsurface on top of the pavement. This microsurface increases the friction between the pavement and tires of vehicles using the roadway.
ODOT Statewide Press Secretary Matt Bruning
Bruning says ODOT is not aware of any traffic accidents occurring since the microsurfacing work was completed. He adds that ODOT is not planning additional work on the roadway at this time.
Bruning explained how rainy conditions and speed affect highway safety.
Moisture on the surface of the roadway can reduce friction and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. That’s why road drainage is so important. We also need drivers to slow down and obey the speed limit.
ODOT Statewide Press Secretary Matt Bruning
ODOT is also looking at other factors that could affect safety on 470 such as the the curve of the road, surface, speed, lane markings and whether flashing lights and additional signs would improve safety.
Visit the River News Network page or follow us on Facebook for updates on this story.