Brady PieperThe Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is releasing the findings of a key transportation study that examined nearly all of the state’s transportation systems and networks.
The 18-month study, conducted in collaboration with business and transportation stakeholders, identifies current and future risks to Ohio’s transportation system, particularly in terms of congestion that could undermine economic progress. Concluding the release of the study’s final report, the state will work to address dozens of congestion “hotspots” and improve efficiency and service on six focus corridors throughout the state.
“The goal is to help us understand how Ohio’s highways influence and support statewide economic growth and prioritize transportation projects, as funding is available,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Ohio’s economy is growing and to keep this momentum going, we must get people to work and deliver goods on time.”
With Ohio’s economy experiencing significant growth, particularly related to ventures from major companies such as Intel, Amazon and Google, ODOT anticipates the study will guide future investments to prevent congestion and delays that could hinder the state’s growth and development.
ODOT’s final report identifies 72 congestion risk locations throughout the state, also referred to as “hotspots.” To mitigate these congestion hotspots, ODOT estimates a total investment of nearly $20 billion between projects that are currently in the state’s plans and for new initiatives.
As 51 hotspot projects are already on the department’s radar, the remaining projects that were identified in the study are unfunded, requiring $6.1 billion in additional funding. The final report does not currently include funding avenues for these unfunded locations.
The transportation study evaluated interregional connection along six focus corridors while identifying any risk associated with congestion in seven geographic and economic regions. Guided by Ohio House Bill 23, the final report includes recommendations on how these corridors can serve public need and industry demand over one, two and three decades.
These six corridors, including respective ODOT recommendations and findings, are:
- Toledo to Columbus – The corridor, which includes I-75, US 68, State Route (SR) 31 and US 23, connects Ohio’s northwestern region with Central Ohio. The study recommends significant improvements to thoroughfares between Columbus and Toledo to accommodate growing populations and mitigate safety hazards in accordance with the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Primarily, the study proposes the improvement of US 23 between Waldo and I-270.
- Sandusky to Columbus – The corridor represents a connection between Sandusky and resorts along Lake Erie and communities in Delaware and Franklin counties, including segments of SR 4, US 250, I-71 and US 23. Representing over 20% of the state’s top 100 highway safety improvement locations, the study recommends an evaluation of priority segments of I-71 and proposes several upgrades to SR 4 and US 250 that address hindrances to Bucyrus and Norwalk. The study also notes US 23 and I-71 between US 36 and I-270 as a region with the highest number of congestion risks.
- Columbus to Kentucky/West Virginia – US 23 and US 52 comprise this vital corridor, which connects Central Ohio with Southeast Ohio, Portsmouth, the Ohio River, West Virginia and Kentucky. The study proposes a feasibility analysis and initial project development activities to increase capacity and access on US 23 from I-270 to Circleville. ODOT will also explore options to accommodate population and business growth while addressing mismanaged access points that can lead to crashes.
- Columbus to West Virginia – This corridor, composed of US 33, connects Central Ohio and Southeast Ohio, the Ohio River, West Virginia and surrounding locations. The study notes the region should leverage strong economic growth in Columbus and Franklin to increase access, upgrade capacity and accommodate tourism. The report also informs ODOT to seek construction funding for existing projects on US 33 in Franklin and Fairfield counties.
- Cincinnati to Dayton – The I-75 corridor from Cincinnati to Dayton includes major economic drivers in the state, including Dayton International Airport, the port of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky and Union Global Logistics Airpark. Working with regional partners, the study recommends the evaluation of several segments of I-75 that are at the highest risk of congestion, located near the I-275 interchange north of Cincinnati and from SR 73 north through Dayton.
- Canton/Youngstown to West Virginia/Pennsylvania – The corridor, which involves US 30 and SR 11, has experienced population and employment declines in urban cores, according to the report. However, the study identifies safety concerns along US 30 between East Canton and Minerva, on SR 11 from I-80 to US 224 and on US 30 in Stark and Columbiana counties.
The full, 400-page final report for the Statewide Transportation and Development Analysis is available on ODOT’s website. An executive summary has also been made available and can be found here.
ODOT is emphasizing the availability of funding for local and regional municipalities and contractors looking to get involved in the state’s transportation initiatives.
The department is also awaiting the response from Ohio voters on a $2.5 billion bond measure that seeks to renew the Capital Improvement Program and fund capital projects across the state. The bond measure, which will be seen on residents’ May 6 ballots, will amend the state constitution to allow the issuance of general obligation bonds to maintain, upgrade and expand Ohio’s transportation systems over the next 10 years.
Photo Courtesy
Dougtone via Wikimedia Commons
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
