Variable speed limits could prove effective

Maybe it’s just another good example of how hard it is to make accurate long-range winter weather forecasts in Northeast Ohio.

In January, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced it was lowering the speed limit through the end of winter to 60 mph along a 20mile stretch of Interstate 90 in Lake County.

From Jan. 20 to March 31, ODOT dropped the speed limit to 60 mph from Route 91 in Willoughby Hills to about five miles east of Vrooman Road in Leroy Township.

As of April 1, the limits were returned to 65 mph between Routes 91 and Route 44, and 70 mph east of the 44 exit.

The rest of I-90 in Greater Cleveland is 60 mph.

The reduced speed limit arose after many discussions between ODOT and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding crashes that took place on this section of highway.

Crash data during winter weather conditions from 2005 to 2015 was analyzed to consider appropriate limits based on where the most crashes occurred historically.

So the new 60 mph speed limit signs went up starting Jan. 20, and then the remainder of winter turned out to be pretty mild.

Nevertheless, the 60 mph maximum speed stayed in effect for the duration promised by ODOT.

However, next winter, ODOT will be able to lower the speed limit on this same section of I-90 during specific episodes of nasty weather, rather than for a lengthy period of the season announced far in advance, when the forecast is harder to predict.

This added flexibility is a result of ODOT now having the authority to use variable speed limits in specific locations, according to the transportation budget recently signed by Gov. John Kasich.

One of those locations approved for variable speed limits is Interstate 90 between Route 271 in Willoughby Hills and heading east through all of Ashtabula County to the Ohio/Pennsylvania border.

“For example, we could use them on I-90 in Lake County during inclement weather,” said Amanda McFarland, ODOT District 12 spokeswoman.

“We would use weather alerts and weather sensors to determine the proper times to reduce the speed limit as conditions warrant.”

That means the winter-long speed reduction implemented this year won’t be necessary.

ODOT received a “handful” of complaints about the winter-long slowdown, but those aren’t what prompted officials to explore varying speeds for next winter.

“The idea of variable speed limits was always on our minds, but (ODOT) did not have the authority to do so for inclement weather,” McFarland said. “Only in school and work zones.”

We believe the use of variable speed limits will be beneficial for several reasons.

First, it will allow ODOT to lower speed limits more effectively during the winter, pinpointing times when such action is needed to ensure driver safety.

On the other hand, if winter weather is mild and driving conditions on I-90 are safe, normal speed limits can be retained.

In addition, ODOT can use variable speed limits in conjunction with some of its other high-technology devices to ensure that it reaches a maximum number of motorists as quickly as possible with warnings to reduce speeds in the affected area.

Some of the new innovations include ODOT’s expanded coverage with its Intelligent Transportation System along the I-90 corridor in Lake County. New traffic cameras were installed at Riverside Drive, Hermitage Road, Route 86 (Painesville-Warren Road) and the Ashtabula/Lake County line, enabling ODOT to monitor visibility and precipitation.

Three dynamic message signs were used to post warnings about reduced visibility and to reduce speed.

Online communication assisted as well.

“I can say that we did utilize our social media more to make folks aware of winter weather advisories, warnings and watches,” McFarland said.

“Our followers ‘liked’ and shared those each time we posted them, so I feel those were a success and something we will continue doing.”

Although Lake County experienced a fairly mild winter in 2016-2017, we know that we can’t expect a repeat performance next season or beyond. And when winter turns nasty in our neck of the woods, that’s when motorists heading onto I-90 need reminders to adjust their driving habits to current weather conditions.

In conclusion, we believe that ODOT’s ability to use variable speed limits during inclement winter weather on I-90 in Lake County, along with traffic cameras, dynamic message signs and social media, will help the transportation agency to improve driver safety at critical times on this stretch of highway.