High-quality roads and bridges are the need of the hour for Ohio to sustain its economy, while also providing better traveling conditions for its residents and commuters. The US has one of the most extensive roadway networks. But when it comes to the quality of the roads, that’s another story!

American car owners spend $130 billion extra on repairs and fuel due to driving on poor-quality roads and bridges. Ohio had once 96% of roads in acceptable conditions but by 2020 it was down to 83.69%.

To address this infrastructural deficit, Ohio DOT (ODOT) is all set to invest $2.8 billion. 

“Investing in efficient infrastructure is an investment in quality of life,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Once complete, these projects will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve roadway safety.”

This money will be spent on improving 950 roads and bridges, making it one of the largest funding initiatives by the ODOT in one fiscal year. There are 39 big-ticket projects valued at $10 million each.

The program duration is from July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025. During this time, they will be laying 5700 miles of pavement, while also repairing 885 bridges. 

Some important projects to be covered by this budget are:

1. I-75/County Road 99 Diverging Diamond Interchange and the US 68/State Route (SR) 15 Interchange Reconfiguration in Hancock County. It is estimated to cost $30.8 million.
2. $20.4 million is being delegated to Trumbull County to upgrade SR 46/SR 82 Interchange.
3. Franklin County is all set to receive $1.4 billion for upgrading the I-70/I-71 downtown ramp.
4. $51.7 million is being allocated to Montgomery County for upgrading I-75.
5. Monroe County will be receiving $11 million to improve SR 7.

Some other road projects that will benefit from this funding are  I-75 Major Reconstruction in Dayton and Moraine and US 33 concrete sidewalk repair in Meigs County.

These projects have been possible because of the influx of new funds. Contractor News had reported earlier that Governor Mark DeWine had approved a $13.5 billion transportation budget. A large portion of this budget went toward the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

The increase in gas tax in 2019 is also helping fund the infrastructural improvement. The tax increase levied on both regular and diesel gas was 10.5 cents. The state is also levying fees on electric and hybrid vehicles. EVs and hybrids are heavier than normal vehicles and have led to more wear and tear on the roads while also reducing the contribution of fuel tax.

ODOT has imposed an annual fee of $200 for EVs and $100 for hybrids. 

Jack Marchbanks, ODOT director, explained that there might be temporary setbacks to motorists as there will be increased traffic, road diversions, and time to travel. But it will all pay back in the future.