ODOT: Crashes at routes 88 and 305 down 70%

HIRAM TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) — A traffic change at a problemed area in Hiram Township has been a success, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Traffic studies showed that more than five crashes a year happened at the state Route 305 and state Route 88 intersection. The intersection used to be a two-way stop.

After the intersection was turned into a four-way stop in 2020, crashes were reduced to 1.6 per year — with less than one injury crash, according to ODOT. That is a 70% decrease.

At that intersection, only stop signs had to be placed, but other larger projects across the state are making driving safer as ODOT continues to monitor traffic flow and implement safety improvements. The agency reported in September that where roundabouts have been constructed, the results have been positive with overall injury crashes reduced.

In 2019, Governor Mike DeWine directed ODOT to target safety improvements at 150 intersections statewide in rural, suburban and urban areas. This represents an investment of $425 million over several years.

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