Speed Limit Reduced on I-90 Temporarily

Interstate 90 is getting a temporary speed reduction during the winter. The new speed limit will be 60 mph and will impact I-90 from State Route 91 to just east of Vrooman Road, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) says. The temporary reduction could be in place until April 1. After that, speed limits will return to normal.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office worked with ODOT to make the speed reduction a reality. The two organization had several conversations about how to make I-90 safer following crashes that disrupted traffic on that section of the highway.

During research, ODOT and the Sheriff's Office analyzed winter crash data from 2005-2015. That analysis led to a pinpointing of where the accidents were most frequently occurring and suggested a temporary speed reduction to 60 mph. The 60 mph limit matches the speed limit to much of the highway system around Greater Cleveland.

“In my opinion, speed is the primary contributing factor to the severity of the crashes that have taken place,” said Daniel A. Dunlap, Lake County Sheriff, in a press statement. “We need to do everything possible to reduce the number and severity of collisions on I-90.”

The temporary reduction was signed by ODOT's Director of Transportation Jerry Wray on Jan. 10 and signage along I-90 should be updated by Jan. 20. The speed limit change will last no longer than April 1, 2017, but could end earlier, based on weather.

“During major snow events this corridor is well known for heavy snow squalls,” said Myron Pakush, District 12 Deputy Director, in a statement. “We hope that by temporarily reducing the speed limit in this area for the winter months that motorists will understand the importance of driving for the conditions.”

ODOT is also expanding its use of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) on I-90. New traffic cameras will be installed at Riverside Drive, Hermitage Road, SR 86 (Painesville-Warren Road) and the Ashtabula/Lake county line.

ODOT will also install two new message signs on I-90 East at Riverside Drive and Hermitage Road and one on I-90 West at the Ashtabule/Lake county line. The signs will offer road and weather information to drivers and will monitor visibility and precipitation at Hermitage Road, Paine Road, and the Ashtabula/Lake county line.

The signs will also offer ODOT the chance to warn motorists of upcoming accidents or developing snow squalls.

Graphic from ODOT