Lower speed limit, more patrols through I-77 work zone near Cleveland following crashes

6/21/2011

CLEVELAND — A string of construction zone crashes is prompting the Ohio Department of Transportation to lower the speed limit on a section of Interstate 77 south of Cleveland.

Agency spokeswoman Jaclyn Schafer says the area has seen four serious accidents since April, including one that injured three construction workers. She tells The Plain Dealer officials don't want anyone else to be hurt or killed.

The newspaper reports ODOT will announce Tuesday that the I-77 work zone speed limit will be reduced from 60 mph to 50 mph between Independence and Brecksville.

Shafer says the department also has obtained $25,000 in federal transportation safety money to have more state troopers and local police patrol that stretch of the highway, where the road is being widened and resurfaced.

READ MORE: The Plain Dealer