Safety upgrades underway on Lorain's roads

Overview of the Pedestrian Safety Project in Lorain

A long-anticipated project has finally begun to take shape in Lorain, marking a significant step forward in enhancing pedestrian safety throughout the city. This initiative, which has been in the planning and financing stages for three years, is now moving into its implementation phase. The project is part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Plan Systemic Safety Program — Pedestrian Improvements, as confirmed by Veronica Newsome from the city of Lorain’s Engineer’s Office.

The primary objective of the project is to improve pedestrian options and overall safety across various areas of the city. Key components include the removal and replacement of existing sidewalks that are in disrepair, upgrading all noncompliant curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and improving crossings at 15 specific locations throughout Lorain. Construction officially started on May 19 and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Enhancing Pedestrian Crossings

One of the most notable features of this project is the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at key intersections. These beacons are designed to increase visibility for pedestrians, making it easier and safer for them to cross busy streets. Crews have already begun preparing the corner of West Fourth Street and Broadway in downtown Lorain for the installation of these beacons.

According to Newsome, the city has identified several high-demand locations where pedestrian safety improvements were recommended. These recommendations came not only from residents who reached out to their City Council members and other officials but also with the assistance of ODOT’s District 3. The city has worked closely with local schools to ensure that the project does not disrupt walking routes to educational institutions. Measures have been put in place to minimize any potential impacts on pedestrians, including maintaining sidewalks on one side of the roadway at all times.

Focus on Safety and Accessibility

The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety by increasing the visibility of pedestrians, shortening crossing lengths, slowing down vehicles approaching crosswalks, and reducing the frequency and severity of pedestrian crashes. It also includes improvements such as high-visibility markings, advance yield markings, standard signage, and the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps with detectable warnings.

Several locations will see upgrades to their pedestrian crossings, including Broadway where it intersects with Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth streets. Crews have already started installing conduits for the beacons at many of these locations. While construction can be disruptive, Newsome has encouraged crews to clean up the areas as much as possible, especially considering the upcoming weekend events in the downtown area.

Targeted Locations for Improvements

The project includes both sidewalk gap-filling and repair work, as well as improved pedestrian crossings. Gap-filling projects are aimed at reducing the number of pedestrians walking on the shoulders of heavily traveled roads. Specific locations for these projects include:

• West Erie Avenue east of Kolbe Road, south side of the roadway
• West Erie Avenue and Madison Avenue
• Colorado Avenue and Henderson Drive
• Leavitt Road south of West 24th Street, west of the roadway

For improved pedestrian crossings, the following locations will receive attention:

• North Leavitt Road south of West 24th Street, west of the roadway
• West Erie Avenue and Madison Avenue
• North Coast Inland Trail at U.S. 6
• North Coast Inland Trail at state Route 611
• Broadway at West Sixth Street
• Broadway at West Seventh Street
• Broadway at West Eighth Street
• Broadway at West Ninth Street
• Washington Avenue at North Central Drive
• Tower Boulevard at Almendien Drive
• Tower Boulevard at state Route 58
• Colorado Avenue at Henderson Drive

These targeted improvements are expected to create a more contiguous sidewalk network, enhancing accessibility and safety for all pedestrians in Lorain.