Intersection conversion results in 77% fewer crashes

ODOT is working to keep drivers safe

LEBANON - The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to focus on ways to improve the safety of Ohio roadways. Safety projects ranging from major reconstruction to simple changes are garnering great results. Recently, ODOT saw a 100% reduction in fatalities after making improvements at the intersection of U.S. 42 and West Spring Valley Paintersville Road in Greene County.

This location saw 26 crashes between 2012 and 2017. Most of these crashes took place in dry, daylight hours. A crash in 2017 resulted in two fatalities and public petition for safety improvements. ODOT quickly responded with studies and designs to create a safer intersection.

After public meetings and traffic studies, ODOT District 8 installed a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Spring Valley Paintersville Road in 2020. This design addressed the crash trends at that location by restricting all left turns and through movements on Spring Valley Paintersville Road. The renovated intersection opened to traffic in May of 2021 with a new traffic pattern resulting in a much safer intersection with less chance for serious angle crashes.

The results speak for themselves. Between 2021 and 2026, there have been six crashes, with only one resulting in minor injuries. That number is compared to 26 crashes between 2012 and 2017 including two fatalities. That’s a 77% drop in crashes and a 100% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes.

“This project is the result of engineering research and traffic studies coming together to create a much safer intersection for Ohio drivers,” said District 8 Deputy Director Doug Gruver. “Any time we see a 100 percent decrease in fatalities it’s a major win for everyone.”

These safety improvements are just some of the beneficial changes ODOT engineers make every day to create a safer driving environment for motorists.

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