Turnpike, patrol prioritizing safety in work zones

GROTON TWP. — As summer begins to wind down and families head out on their final trips before back-to-school season, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are teaming up to prioritize safety and reduce work zone crashes along the 241-mile-long toll road. With an increase in traffic comes a greater risk of crashes, and far too many of these crashes occur in work zones. In 2025 thus far, there have been 252 crashes in Ohio Turnpike work zones, "many of which were preventable," according to a joint statement from both organizations. "The commission understands that time is valuable for its customers, but construction zones often require a reduction in the normal speed limit due to reduced lane widths, traffic shifts and reduced or eliminated shoulders," said Ferzan Ahmed, the turnpike commission's executive director. "To keep motorists moving, all work zones on the Ohio Turnpike have at least two lanes open during day travel." To help prevent crashes, troopers will continue to focus efforts on speeding and crash-causing violations that occur within work zones. This effort includes using both ground and air resources to monitor traffic. Patrol statistics show this is a necessary step as so far this year, troopers have issued 1,666 citations in turnpike work zones. Of these citations, 56% were for 20 mph or more over the speed limit. "A single traffic violation in a work zone, such as speeding or distracted driving, can have serious consequences," said Sgt. Ryan Purpura, a patrol spokesperson. "Not only can it result in double fines, but, more importantly, it can result in the loss of life or leave someone seriously injured." And both organizations stressed how "Simple, responsible driving behaviors, such as obeying the speed limit, paying attention to work zone signage, maintaining a safe following distance and eliminating distractions can go a long way in protecting not only motorists but also the men and women working just feet from traffic to repair and maintain our roadways. Not all work zones are protected by concrete barrier walls, the statement read. "In many cases, only barrels or cones separate roadway workers from vehicles traveling at highway speeds," it added. "This limited protection makes it even more critical for drivers to stay focused and cautious at all times while traveling through work zones."