New Ohio transportation plan unveiled

Ohio Dept. of Transportation news

CLEVELAND — Governor John R. Kasich unveiled a robust plan Monday for improving Ohio’s transportation system with a $3 billion investment in infrastructure over the next several years.

Kasich’s Jobs and Transportation plan will allow the state to eliminate decades long delays on some 41 new construction projects now slated to begin construction as soon as next year in some cases. Various portions of Interstate 75 from Findlay to Toledo will be completely reconstructed and upgraded and will see a 12- to 13-year delay wiped out.

“By thinking outside the box we’re attacking Ohio’s highway budget deficit without a tax increase and keeping Ohio’s highways in top condition,” Kasich said. “Our agriculture, manufacturing and logistics industries, as well as so many others, depend on our world class highway system for their success and the $3 billion in new funds made possible from our plan keeps them moving so Ohio’s economic recovery can keep moving.”

Kasich’s plan uses money from the Ohio Turnpike to help rebuild portions of I-75. Other northwest Ohio projects getting Kasich’s green light include:

• Reconstructing a new interchange at I-475 and U.S. 20 in Lucas County ($59 million, 12-year delay eliminated)
• Widening U.S. 250 in Erie County ($31.7 million, 12-year delay eliminated)
• Completing a grade separation at McCord Road in Lucas County ($29.3 million, one-year delay eliminated)

Kasich’s recommendations await a vote by the state’s independent Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), which is slated for Thursday, July 25. The TRAC was established in 1997 to provide guidance to the state for reviewing and approving ODOT’s largest construction projects.

Some funds for the Jobs and Transportation plan were made possible by an innovative plan to issue bonds backed by Turnpike toll revenue dedicated exclusively to northern Ohio. The plan helps fill ODOT’s budget deficit without raising taxes that would kill jobs.