Ohio DOT to place 1,000 stop signs at crossings
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Over the next few months, the Ohio Department of Transportation (Ohio DOT), in conjunction with the Ohio Rail Development Commission, will replace 1,000 yield signs for stop signs at crossings. The decision was made after Ohio DOT reviewed nearly 2,000 crossings as a result of a change in state law.
Local railroad crews have begun the installation process in some communities already. The signs mean drivers must come to a full stop at these locations and can be ticketed if they choose not to obey.
“This change will reinforce driver behaviors of being safe and cautious around railroad tracks; to stop, look both ways and proceed across with caution,” said Julianne Kaercher, spokeswoman for the Ohio Rail Development Commission.
In 2013, the Ohio General Assembly included a provision in the state budget bill that required stop signs at certain railroad crossings, replacing existing yield signs. The intention behind the change in law is to increase safety for drivers and passengers.
