Columbus, Ohio – In a major push to make roads safer across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced $137.5 million in new funding to support 55 traffic safety projects across 41 counties.
The funding comes from Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which continues to lead the nation in per capita investments aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Focus on Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Departures
“Ensuring the safety of Ohio’s roadways is always one of our top priorities,” said Governor DeWine. “Whether you’re driving or walking, we want every Ohioan to get where they’re going safely.”
Of the 55 projects, 22 are specifically aimed at protecting pedestrians. These efforts include constructing new sidewalks, installing shared-use paths, and upgrading crosswalks. The emphasis on pedestrian safety follows alarming statistics: 125 pedestrians lost their lives in Ohio last year, and so far this year, 50 more have already been killed.
In addition, five projects will work to reduce the frequency and severity of roadway departure crashes—where drivers veer out of their lanes. These types of incidents are the leading cause of fatal accidents in Ohio, accounting for nearly half of the state’s annual traffic deaths. Planned upgrades will include wider shoulders and curve realignments to prevent such crashes.
Data-Driven Solutions Deliver Results
“These targeted, data-driven investments not only improve safety for local communities but strengthen the transportation system across Ohio,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “With the largest highway safety program per capita in the nation, we’re seeing real results—traffic deaths have been declining since 2021.”
Other improvements supported by this round of funding include intersection upgrades, installation of roundabouts, construction of reduced collision U-turns, and realignment of high-risk roads.
The projects selected under the Highway Safety Improvement Program target areas with a known history of fatal or injury-causing accidents—particularly where previous safety measures have not significantly reduced danger.
By focusing resources on these high-risk areas, Ohio continues to demonstrate a commitment to protecting lives and ensuring safer roads for all who travel throughout the state.
