Cleveland, OH (March 14, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 90 westbound near East 55th Street early Friday morning, leaving an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) worker and a 26-year-old woman injured.
The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. and involved a minivan, a large truck hauling two additional trucks, and an ODOT truck with an attached arrow board trailer. According to ODOT, the crew was engaged in routine roadway cleanup when a vehicle entered the work zone and struck a crash cushion meant to protect the workers. Images from the scene show the minivan partially trapped beneath one of the larger trucks, with significant front-end damage.
Emergency medical services arrived quickly to assess the injured. The ODOT worker was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 26-year-old woman involved in the crash was also hospitalized. Officials have not released additional details regarding the severity of her condition.
Authorities shut down portions of I-90 westbound while first responders worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The roadway has since been reopened, though law enforcement continues to review what factors led to the collision.
State officials emphasized the dangers of work zone crashes, highlighting that this incident marks the 53rd time an ODOT crew or piece of equipment has been struck since the beginning of the year. Last year, similar incidents occurred 84 times across Ohio.
Our thoughts go out to those affected by this accident, and we wish the injured individuals a full recovery.
Work Zone Accidents in Ohio
Work zone accidents remain a serious issue across Ohio, often resulting from driver inattention, excessive speed, or failure to yield to construction warnings. Roadway crews, like those involved in this crash on I-90, face significant risks while performing essential maintenance and cleanup operations.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, drivers are required to slow down and remain alert when approaching active work areas. The use of crash cushions, arrow board trailers, and additional safety barriers aims to minimize the severity of these incidents, but driver compliance remains crucial in preventing injuries and fatalities.
Statistics indicate that the majority of work zone crashes involve passenger vehicles rather than construction workers, with rear-end collisions being one of the most common types of crashes in these areas. The high number of ODOT-related accidents so far this year underscores the ongoing need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
To improve safety in work zones:
- Reduce Speed: Always slow down in marked construction zones, even if workers are not immediately visible.
- Stay Alert: Keep distractions, such as cell phones and in-car entertainment, to a minimum.
- Follow Work Zone Signage: Pay close attention to lane shifts, warning signals, and directional signage.
- Give Workers Space: Maintain a safe distance from construction crews and equipment.
Ohio law imposes strict penalties for drivers who violate work zone traffic laws, including heavy fines and potential license suspensions. Those who cause serious injuries or fatalities in work zones may face criminal charges.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone accident, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and potential options for compensation. Legal professionals can assist in determining liability, negotiating with insurance providers, and ensuring that injured parties receive necessary support for medical recovery and financial stability.
