COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sidewalk and crossings work in Poland and Liberty townships is among 55 new traffic safety projects across the state awarded a combined $137.5 million.
The funding awards are part of Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which invests more per capita on roadway safety than any other state.
“Ensuring the safety of Ohio’s roadways is always one of our top priorities,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Whether you’re driving or walking, we want every Ohioan to get where they’re going safely.”
Of the funded projects, 22, including the Poland and Liberty sidewalks, will directly improve pedestrian safety through the construction of sidewalks, shared use paths, or improvements to crosswalks. Last year, 125 pedestrians were killed in Ohio. So far this year, there have been 50 pedestrians killed.
The Mahoning Valley projects involve filling sidewalk gaps. The work in Poland runs along state Route 170. The state awarded $935,000 for the work which is slated for 2028.
The Liberty project is along state Route 193 and is set for 2028. The state awarded $1,050,000 for that work.
“These targeted, data-driven investments not only improve safety for local communities but strengthen the transportation system across Ohio,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “With the largest highway safety program per capita in the nation, we’re seeing real results – traffic deaths have been declining since 2021.”