The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHSP) confirmed that two vehicles, including a construction vehicle, were involved in a crash on the Ohio Turnpike Friday morning.

The crash happened in the westbound lanes near the 124 mile marker in Berlin Heights, near State Route 61.

According to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC), a turnpike employee who was setting up a work zone was struck while seated inside his work vehicle by a motorist traveling in an SUV.

OHSP confirmed that the Ohio Turnpike worker, as well as the driver and passenger of the SUV that struck the turnpike vehicle, were all transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Chris Matta, the turnpike commission's chief engineer and deputy executive director, released a statement Friday, reminding drivers of work zone safety. Matta said that in order to drive safely in work zones, it is important that drivers establish a safe distance, follow the speed limit, avoid distractions, pay attention to signs and be prepared to slow down or stop.

"Unsafe driving behaviors — such as speeding and distracted driving — put motorists and our maintenance crews and roadway construction workers at severe risk in work zones," turnpike officials said on social media. "When approaching a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, motorists are required by law to MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN."

 

All westbound lanes were blocked due to the crash.

The Ohio Turnpike told drivers to detour at Toll Plaza 145 to state Route 57 North, to state Route 2 West, to U.S. Route 250 South, then re-enter the Ohio Turnpike at Toll Plaza 118.