AASHTO Journal - Ohio DOT Receives Funding for Transportation Study

With rapid economic growth happening throughout Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine (R) put $10 million in the state’s latest transportation budget to fund an Ohio Department of Transportation study of that state’s mobility needs now and into the future.

[Above photo by the Ohio DOT]

In a statement, Gov. DeWine said that Cambridge Systematics has been selected to conduct this study, which will begin in August and should be completed in 2024.

“Our state’s economic engine is in high gear, and we want to ensure that our transportation system is fully aligned with that growth,” the governor noted. “This study will show us where we need to be making investments to keep us moving forward.”

The Ohio DOT is working with the Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to analyze statewide and regional demographics, investigate economic development growth opportunities, examine current transportation systems and capacities, and forecast passenger and freight travel needs over the next 10, 20, and 30 year periods.

“Our mission is to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “This study is key to these efforts.”

That effort will begin with a “stress test” look at the transportation system, he noted – analyzing existing and future conditions for safety, congestion, condition, reliability, and resilience concerns. It will also consider changes in population and economic development.

“Companies looking to relocate to or expand in Ohio recognize the importance of Ohio’s integrated transportation infrastructure in allowing them to reach customers and suppliers quickly and efficiently,” added Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “As we continue to pave the way for even more economic growth across the state, we must stay ahead of the game in meeting the transportation needs of today and tomorrow,” she said.