To combat the rise in traffic deaths, the Ohio Department of Transportation has sharpened its focus on reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads in Ohio. A 2015 intersection safety improvement project at U.S. Route 20 and McMackin Road in Madison Township is a proven example of ODOT’s work to improve roadway safety and reduce crashes, officials noted. In 2010, the intersection of Route 20 and McMackin was identified as one of the urban intersections with the highest number of crashes in the state. From this, the signalized intersection saw more than eight crashes each year, with the majority being left-turn crashes caused by Route 20 motorists turning left onto McMackin. To improve safety and reduce these types of crashes, Route 20 was widened to add left turn lanes onto McMackin Road, and existing traffic signals were upgraded. Construction of the $1.5 million project was completed in summer 2016. Since then, the annual crash frequency has been reduced by 45 percent, ODOT officials report. Using proven safety countermeasures is one of the strategies in Ohio’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan for reducing crashes. Next year, intersection safety improvements will begin in Auburn Township in Geauga County at the intersection of Washington Street and Bainbridge Road. Work will include re-aligning the intersection, adding turn lanes and installing a traffic signal. Additionally, in Cuyahoga County, pedestrian safety improvements will take place at 18 intersections in Cleveland and at 8 intersections in Euclid.