The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Variable speed-limit signs being posted
12-mile stretch of I-90 in Lake sporting signs
Commuters who use Interstate 90 in Lake County may have already noticed some flashy new signage along a 12-mile stretch of the highway.
The Ohio Department of Transportation began installing permanent variable speed-limit signs during the week of Nov. 13, the agency reported in a Nov. 15 news release.
“Crews have already begun the installation of sign poles and power cables for digital speed limit signs at 19 different locations, nine eastbound and 10 westbound, along the stretch of I-90,” the ODOT release reads. “Permanent signage is in the fabrication process and is expected to be active in early 2018. In the meantime, portable speed limit signs similar to those used in work zones are in place.”
The agency added that flashing lights will notify motorists when the speed limits change, based on criteria including “pavement conditions, visibility, precipitation,
vehicle incidents and traffic congestions.”
Lake County public safety officials say being able to adjust the posted speed limit remotely and on the fly in this area, which sees more than its fair share of foul-weather related wrecks, could go a long way toward mitigating that problem.
“I believe that’s one of the things that will assist in reducing crashes in that area,” said Ohio Highway Patrol Lt. Charles Gullett, commander of the OHP Chardon Post, adding that it’s a “good effort.”
“If we can get people to slow down, that will give them more reaction time when there’s a crash ahead,” he said. “I definitely feel that will be a step in the right direction to reduce crashes in that area.”
According to ODOT’s release, studies have shown that high speed is often a factor in winter weatherrelated crashes along I-90.
“This data led to a broad speed limit reduction during the winter of 2016-2017,” ODOT’s release states. “Recent legislation passed in the spring of 2017 now allows Ohio to temporarily reduce the speed limit of I-90 for inclement weather. Previously, temporary speed limits were only permitted for use within construction zones.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that the speed limit will be cut by 10 miles per hour, depending on conditions.
“For example, a moderate amount of precipitation would warrant a 60 mph speed limit, while blowing and drifting conditions with poor visibility could warrant a 50 mph speed limit,” the agency’s news release reads. “The lowest permitted speed limit is 30 mph, reserved for high-impact events such as a full road closure.”
Madison Fire District Chief Tod Baker said that, although he doesn’t think the new signs will solve this specific corridor’s foul-weather wreck problem, at least it’s a step in the right direction. “I hope putting these signs up at least brings (drivers’) attention to the road. But, in the end, it really comes down to driver responsibilities,” Baker said, adding that “I think it’s a good start. It’s just like anything: You make a change. You study it and then see if you need to make a change again.”
As chief of one of the three departments that are part of an automatic mutual aid agreement when a wreck happens along this part of I-90 (Concord and Leroy townships’ fire departments being the other two), he’s spent plenty of long hours attending to crash victims’ needs, clearing freeway debris and helping to overhaul some bad scenes.
“Maybe it will help distracted drivers realize they need to pay attention,” Baker said. “I hope this is something that catches people’s attention and maybe makes them focus.”
As of the Nov. 15 news release, eight of the portable units were in position, up and running while the permanent signage installation was taking place.