Coolville, Ohio – Construction has officially begun on a safety improvement project at a busy intersection in Coolville, Athens County. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) started work on Reduced Collision U-Turns (RCUTs) along U.S. 50 at the intersection with County Road 56 (Brimstone Road), aiming to reduce crash rates and improve traffic flow.
Project Overview and Purpose
The RCUTs being installed will change the way traffic moves at this intersection. Instead of allowing vehicles to turn left or go straight from County Road 56 onto U.S. 50, all drivers will be required to turn right and use a designated legal U-turn at a nearby crossover to continue in the desired direction.
This method is designed to simplify decision-making for drivers and reduce the risk of serious accidents. Between 2019 and 2023, this intersection saw 18 crashes, the majority resulting from left turns or drivers trying to go straight across U.S. 50 from Brimstone Road.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), RCUTs are considered a proven safety countermeasure. By reducing the number of potential conflict points between vehicles by up to 50 percent, RCUTs can significantly limit both the frequency and severity of collisions.
Construction Timeline and Traffic Updates
Phase 1 of the construction officially began on Tuesday, May 27, with lane closures in place on U.S. 50. These closures are expected to continue throughout the construction period, which is projected to wrap up in October.
Drivers are encouraged to check OHGO for real-time updates on traffic impacts and potential delays in the area throughout the construction process.
For more details and to view an instructional video explaining how RCUTs work, ODOT has provided resources through their website.
The improvements mark a step forward in making one of Athens County’s intersections safer for everyone who travels the corridor.
