04/15/1996 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECOMMENDATIONS RE• OHIO SUBSTITU'TE H B 565 04-15-96 PaQe 2 Roadway Features - As you know, this section of I-271 now features "express lanes" (a freeway within a freeway) which is a completely new experience in Ohio. We have literally two separate freeway systems operating several feet apart from each other with no physical barrier between the two systems. We know that there are numerous incidents of illegal transitions being made between the two systems. We also have a lawful transition ramp from the express lanes to the mainline which features a left-side entry ramp onto the mainline. It would seem logical that a higher posted speed limit would increase the risk of traffic crashes at this location. Because the express lanes are new, motorists are still getting used to this concept, and i feel it is too soon to raise the speed limit, adding another possible risk to those already present. Terrain Considerations - Unlike the days prior to the "express lanes" where there was a sizable median strip between north and southbound lanes, now traffic on the express lanes have a concrete barrier just a few feet away on the left and another freeway system on the right. There have already been incidents where a driver loses control on one system and the vehicle(s) skids from the mainline across the express lanes (and vice versa). Sienificant Local Climatic Conditions - Our area is prone to receiving sudden and severe winter storms which result in several highway hazards, not the least of which is the effect of the cold winter wind. In much of our area, I-271 is elevated higher than the surrounding terrain and thus, more exposed to the sudden ice-causing effects of the severely cold winter winds. I feel ODOT needs to refine their snow-clearing operations also to include: faster response to sudden changes in the weather and a reassessment of priorities involved when determining where and when to salt and plow. Svecial Features or Operational Limitations - Again, the express lanes have presented some special considerations in providing police (enforcement and crash investigation) and fire (ambulance and fire/rescue) services. We have longer response times, more complicated response routes, and fewer turn-arounds. Any action (including raising the speed limit) which would tend to increase the frequency and severity of traffic crashes or ofiher incidents on I-271 would not be desirable. . Other A1212rogriate Characteristics - We lower the speed limits in: school zones, business districts, construction zones and parking lots for a reason. We lower the speed limits on curves and hills for a reason. Lower speeds just seem to result in fewer crashes, crashes of less severity and more survivability. Common sense would tend to indicate that drivers just seem to control their vehicles better at lower speeds. In my opinion, raised speed limits will result in an increase in the numbers of traffic crashes, an increase in the severity of traffic crashes, and an increase in the number of traffic-related deaths and injuries. I would urge you to submit a resolution to ODOT recommending that we retain a 55mph speed limit on I-271. Respectfully, Donald H. Stevens Chief of Police I cc: Records