DES MOINES, IOWA -- The following is part of a press release from Gov. Chet Culver's office:

Governor Chet Culver Thursday urged the Iowa Department of Transportation to accelerate plans to install cable barriers in the medians of Iowa interstates where data indicate it may provide the most benefit to travelers. There has been a recent spike in cross-median interstate accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Under the current DOT plan, the barrier placement will be completed in 2012-2013. In a letter sent to Iowa Department of Transportation Director Nancy Richardson, Culver asked that a proposed amendment to the current 2011-2015 Transportation Improvement Plan be submitted to the Iowa Transportation Commission calling for acceleration of cable barrier installation work into the 2011 program.

“As you know, I have been particularly concerned about the recent number of cross-median crashes,” Culver said in the letter. “The safety of Iowans is my top priority. The motto of the Iowa DOT’s Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan – One Death is One Too Many – certainly captures my sentiments.”

The letter to Director Richardson can be seen here.