Carpenter Marty Transportation Can Assist with Your Application

Thanks to the recent increase in the state motor vehicle fuel tax, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making it easier for local governments to fund safety improvements. Until now, ODOT required a 10% local contribution for safety projects. Under the new guidance, the state will now cover 100% of the project costs that receive  funding in 2020.  The increased costs to ODOT will be funded through the additional revenue provided by last year’s fuel tax increase.

Safety improvements, such as adding turn lanes, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, pavement markings, street lighting, and sign upgrades, are eligible for the funding. Typical projects range from $200,000 to $5 million, though ODOT will consider funding requests up to $10 million.

How do you take advantage of this funding program?

Contact Carpenter Marty Transportation!  We are experts in safety analysis, roadway design, traffic engineering, and highway maintenance. We are here to walk you through the application process and provide assistance throughout the study and design development.

Projects are split into two categories: under $500,000 and over $500,000. For projects under $500,000, a safety funding application can be submitted at any time and is relatively quick and easy.  This project type only requires an abbreviated study, Carpenter Marty Transportation has completed 35 abbreviated ODOT safety studies within the past three years. For larger projects with funding needs over $500,000, ODOT accepts applications twice a year – April 30^th and September 30^th. These more complex projects require additional studies as part of the application process.  Carpenter Marty Transportation has completed 25 formal ODOT safety studies within the past three years.

How can Carpenter Marty Transportation help me with the application process?

Funding applications require you to include information that clearly links crash patterns and safety concerns with the suggested safety improvement. To determine the best solutions, a safety study that includes a review of existing conditions, detailed crash analysis, and cost estimates must be completed.  Carpenter Marty Transportation’s traffic team are experts in this type of study. We have completed safety studies for a variety of local clients on projects such as pedestrian crossings, intersection improvements, traffic signal upgrades, roundabouts, road diets, and access management.

Do I have projects that qualify?

Funding is awarded based on demonstrated problems and long-term crash trends.  ODOT and your local Metropolitan Planning Organization have documented sites across the state of areas of concern.  Carpenter Marty Transportation is happy to discuss your municipality’s high crash locations and areas of concern to determine eligibility for funding.

ODOT encourages a full range of project submissions from low-cost strategies such as signalized pedestrian crossings and turn lanes to high-cost strategies such as roadway realignments and intersection reconfigurations.