When a vehicle struck an ODOT truck in a closed work zone in Tuscarawas County Monday, it marked the 94th time ODOT crews and equipment have been struck this year.
That number didn’t even stand for 24 hours before an ODOT vehicle was hit for the 95th time in the Columbus area this morning. Nobody was hurt in either incident.
ODOT district Public Information Officer Lauren Borell says it’s maddening that they are on pace to have over 100 such accidents this year after having 85 in 2024.
Borell says Monday’s incident happened on state Route 183 in Magnolia as the road was closed for tree-trimming. She says a vehicle entered the construction zone and struck a truck in the rear.
No workers were injured, and pictures show relatively minor damage to the ODOT truck. Borell says most of the incidents have one thing in common – distracted driving.
This week, ODOT is working on a concrete project at the McCaulley Drive and U.S. 250 intersection, and on bridge repairs at the 250 overpass at I-77 in New Philadelphia.
There are lane and turn restrictions at both locations, so ODOT is asking drivers to be patient and pay attention.
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