Ohio Governor John Kasich announced today a new plan that would invest $3 billion into the state’s highway infrastructure over the next six years. The Jobs and Transportation Plan will allow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to eliminate delays on projects previous pushed back due to budget shortfalls.

“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,” said Kasich. “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.”

The plan will use funds from the Ohio Turnpike for both new construction and reconstruction all around the state. According to the press release, some of the projects in Central Ohio include:

Franklin County North High St. (U.S. 23) – Add an express lane on U.S. 23 from Flint to Lazelle Rd. Total project cost is $7,800,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2014, which keeps the project on schedule.

Franklin County U.S. Route 23/I-270/SR 315 Interchange – Reconstruct I-270/SR315, U.S. 23 interchange. Total project cost is $94,800,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2014, which keeps the project on schedule.

Franklin County U.S. Route 23/I-270/SR 315– Construction of a noise wall at I-270/Linworth Rd. Total project cost is $1,200,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2014 and without this plan would not have started until 2015. Time saved is one year.

Fairfield County U.S. Route 33 – Add a new interchange on U.S. 33 in Carroll at Winchester Rd. Total project cost is $48,700,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2015 and without this plan would not have started until after 2027. Time saved is 12+ years.

Franklin County I-270/U.S. 33 – Phase 1 of the reconstruction of the I-270 and U.S. 33 interchange to increase safety and ease congestion. Total project cost is $93,800,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2015 and without this plan would not have started until after 2027. Time saved is 12+ years.

Scioto County Portsmouth Bypass – Construction of a new bypass around the city of Portsmouth. Total project cost is $440,500,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2014, which keeps the project on schedule.

The new funds would also impact the I-70/71 Reconstruction project in multiple ways:

Franklin County I-70/I-71 Interchange – Reconstruction and widening of SR315/I-70/I-71 as part of the I-70/71 project to improve safety and reduce congestion in downtown Columbus. Total project cost is $86,000,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2017 and without this plan would not have started until 2023. Time saved is six years.

Franklin County I-70/71 – Phase 2 (East Interchange) as part of the reconstruction and widening of I-70 and I-71 near Children’s Hospital. Total project cost is $235,600,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2017 and without this plan would not have started until 2019. Time saved is two years.

Franklin County I-70 – Construct a new storm sewer along I-70. Total project cost is $4,000,000. Construction date under Jobs and Transportation Plan is 2014 and without this plan would not have started until 2019. Time saved is five years.

The recommendations of the plan will be voted upon by the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) on Thursday, July 25th.

More information can be found online at www.dot.state.oh.us.