Ohio to test variable work-zone speed limit signs

Asso­ci­ated Press

COLUMBUS — Ohio trans­porta­tion offi­cials say a new pilot pro­gram will use signs that reduce speed lim­its in some parts of con­struc­tion zones while allow­ing traf­fic to travel at nor­mal speeds else­where in those areas.

The Depart­ment of Trans­porta­tion says the Vari­able Speed Limit pro­gram is meant to help pro­tect work­ers and trav­el­ers while reduc­ing con­ges­tion and crashes.

Signs with flash­ing bea­cons will light up to indi­cate reduced speed lim­its in parts of con­struc­tion zones while work­ers are exposed to traf­fic. When work­ers are gone, the bea­cons will turn off.

The signs will be tested dur­ing road and bridge projects in Franklin, Lake, Lucas and War­ren coun­ties. The pro­gram is planned to go statewide next year.

ODOT says sev­eral other states use sim­i­lar signs, but it’s a first for Ohio.

Posted by AP News on Sep 21 2012. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS Feed. Comments can be made below.