Safety and Congestion

This issue includes transportation-related safety and congestion issues. It does not address safety in the context of crime. Because the transportation system is a regional one, this topic is being addressed on a number of fronts across jurisdictional boundaries. MORPC is engaged in two efforts regarding safety. First, MORPC is engaged with safety services throughout Delaware and Franklin Counties and working with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Public Safety to prepare clean accident data. Clean data will allow local governments to rightfully access state safety funds. In addition, this information will provide transportation planners and engineers to determine where improvements are necessary.

The other project involves the development of a “smart” center line that includes addresses for use by safety services and other providers such as on-demand transit services. Creation of this data set involves coordinating with communities throughout central Ohio to develop a regional road file that local governments can amend with their local land use and planning related information. In central Ohio, Franklin, Delaware, Union, Licking and Knox do not have these files. MORPC is collaborating with COTA, the Franklin County Auditor, the Franklin County Engineer, the Franklin County 911 Office, the Columbus Fire Department, local jurisdictions and the Franklin County Sheriff’s office on this project.

Partners on Safety and Congestion

• Citizen ObserverThe Citizen Observer is a community policing alert tool. Law enforcement agencies can streamline their communication with citizens and businesses in the event of crime and other types of threats. Citizens can sign up to receive alerts from local police or sheriff's office by email and/or text message. Businesses can receive targeted business alerts from law enforcement.
• County Emergency Management Offices
  Similar to other county agencies, jurisdiction may be limited. However, these are important participants in safety discussions. This website provides links to all Ohio EMA offices. They should be able to provide direction to other local emergency services.
• County Engineers
  These elected officials are charged with maintaining county and some township roads.
• County Sheriff Offices
  County sheriffs do not always have jurisdiction over all county safety systems, but they should be included in any safety planning efforts. This website provides links to all Ohio sheriff offices.
• Crime ReportsCrime Reports lets citizens view crimes that have occurred near a user specified address over various time periods up to 30 days.  Crime Reports also provides services to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to publish their crime data.
• Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS)
  LCATS administers federal transportation funds for most of Licking County.
• Local Fire Services
  Jurisdiction may be limited. However, these are important participants in safety discussions. This website provides links to all local Ohio Fire departments.
• Local Police Departments
  Jurisdiction may be limited. However, these are important participants in safety discussions. This website provides links to all local Ohio Police departments.
• Local School Districts
  The website of the Ohio School Boards Association contains links to all public school districts.  Local school districts should be included in safety planning efforts.
• MORPC
  As the Central Ohio Metropolitan Planning Organization, MORPC administers federal transportation funds in Franklin, Delaware and portions of Licking and Fairfield Counties associated with reducing congestion.
• Ohio Department of Information
  This state agency is the first contact for implementing a Location Based Response System to enhance safety services.
• Ohio Department of Transportation 
  This state agency administers federal transportation funds in Fayette, Fairfield, Knox, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross and Union Counties, associated with reducing congestion. They also publish a website that includes an interactive map published by ODOT showing traffic projects and winter travel conditions.
• Ohio Highway Patrol
  The Ohio Highway Patrol does not have jurisdiction over all roadways, but they should be included in any safety planning efforts. This website provides links to all Ohio Highway Patrol posts.
• Paving the Way
  Administered through the city of Columbus this organization tracks short term transportation projects, primarily in Franklin County.