Ohio’s ‘Jobs and Transportation Plan’ continues to fuel infrastructure investment

Updated Jan 31, 2015
Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich.Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich.

Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich’s “Jobs and Transportation Plan” is entering its second year with a projected $2 billion investment in the state’s infrastructure, economy and jobs over the next several years.

The state’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has given preliminary approval to continue the governor’s plan that – once complete – is expected to create up to 60,000 new jobs and make a total investment of $3 billion, most of it coming from money leveraged by the Ohio Turnpike.

“Under the leadership of Governor John R. Kasich, we have been able to turn a $1.6 billion budget problem into a $3 billion infrastructure investment in just a couple of years,” ODOT Director Jerry Wray said in a statement. “While other states debate tax increases to dig their way out, Ohio has proven that with innovation, we can continue to make progress and build these massive transportation projects that communities tell us they want and need.”

Some of the more notable changes or additions to the second-year plan include:

  • Constructing a new interchange at State Route 16 and Cherry Valley Road in Licking County;
  • Advancing the next phase of the Interstate 270/State Route 315/U.S. Route 23 reconstruction project in Franklin County by eight years;
  • Expediting construction of two future phases of the Cleveland Innerbelt project in Cuyahoga County;
  • Adding a third lane on Interstate 70 from U.S. Route 68 and State Route 72 in Clark County;
  • Reconstructing Interstate 70 at U.S. Route 40 and State Route 331 in Belmont County;
  • Upgrading the interchange at Interstate 71 and Western Row Road in Warren County; and,
  • Building a new railroad crossing on Grand Avenue and adding half-mile extension with new intersections at U.S. Route 127 and University Boulevard in Butler County.

The governor’s plan was kicked-off last year and quickly invested more than a billion dollars in state infrastructure spending. Projects launched this past construction season, which are currently underway include the:

  • Portsmouth Bypass in southeast Ohio;
  • MLK Boulevard interchange in southwest Ohio;
  • Widening of I-75 in northwest Ohio;
  • Expansion of I-80 in eastern Ohio; and,
  • Next phase of the I-70/I-71 project in central Ohio.

A complete list of all projects TRAC approved for construction throughout the state in the coming years is located here.