The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Stretch of I-90 to have variable speed limits
ODOT: Aim is to enhance traffic safety
Winter weather in Northeast Ohio can change from mild to severe in a hurry.
Based on that reality, variable speed limit signs on a stretch of Interstate 90 in eastern Lake County aim to keep traffic moving safely when winter driving conditions become perilous.
To be clear, the 19 permanent, digital variable speed limit signs — nine eastbound and 10 westbound — on I-90 between Routes 528 in Madison and 44 in Concord Township are intended to enhance driver safety all year long.
The signs allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to quickly change speed limits by remote control in response to factors such as “pavement conditions, visibility, precipitation, vehicle incidents and traffic congestion.”
But with the 12-mile stretch of I-90 spanning from Routes 528 to 44 being a crash-prone area during some winters, the variable
speed limit signs could get some frequent use over the next three or four months, especially if nasty weather persists. Studies show that high speed plays a prominent role in winter weather related crashes along the I-90 corridor, ODOT stated.
Ohio Highway Patrol Lt. Larry Roberts, commander of the OHP Chardon Post, said the variable speed limit signs are a good way of notifying motorists that they need to reduce speed because of adverse road or weather conditions. When motorists slow down during inclement weather, it helps to reduce crashes during those periods, he added.
ODOT got the green light to use variable speed limits on I-90 thanks to state legislation approved in 2017. Previously, variable speed limits were permitted only in construction zones.
Permanent fabrication and installation of the variable speed limit signs on I-90 between Routes 528 and 44 began in latesummer 2017 and was completed in fall 2018, Amanda McFarland, ODOT District 12 public information officer, said in an Oct. 31 email.
“Only minor operations remain to ensure the signs are 100 percent operational for the upcoming winter,” she said.
To determine when speed limit changes are warranted, ODOT uses road and weather information stations and traffic cameras to monitor current conditions.
“There are eight traffic cameras and three RWIS locations between Route 44 and the Lake/Ashtabula county line,” McFarland said.
In addition, ODOT relies on its snowplow drivers and their managers “as eyes on the ground monitoring the current conditions as well,” she said.
As for making actual changes, ODOT reported that the speed limit will be cut in increments of 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 stated. “The lowest permitted speed limit is 30 mph, reserved for high-impact events such as a full road closure.”
In the winter of 201718, ODOT placed portable signs displaying variable speed limits — similar to those used in work zones — on I-90 between Routes 528 and 44 while the permanent signs were being prepared.
“While data has not been completely analyzed to prove how effective the new variable speed limit was in reducing crashes last winter, there were no severe accidents on this stretch during the 2017-18 season,” McFarland said.
During spring through fall in Lake County, variable speed limits could go into effect in the event of heavy fog or rain, McFarland said.
“The system can also be used to slow approaching motorists should a crash or disabled vehicle cause congestion along this route,” she said.