By 1812Blockhouse
Richland County plays a role in the newly-released Strategic Transportation & Analysis Report from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Governor Mike DeWine. This 18-month study examines transportation investments crucial to Ohio’s economic development, with a particular focus on congestion hotspots, including key routes in Richland County.
“The goal is to help us understand how Ohio’s highways influence and support statewide economic growth and prioritize transportation projects, as funding is available,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio’s economy is growing, and to keep this momentum going, we must get people to work and deliver goods on time.”
ODOT collaborated with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, and over 500 elected officials, business leaders, and transportation experts to identify key needs and opportunities. Staff from ODOT’s 12 districts provided additional insights based on local expertise. Ohio ranks 6th in the nation for freight volume, with nearly 1.4 billion tons of freight moving through the state each year. The state’s multimodal transportation system, including highways, rail corridors, airports, and marine ports, plays a vital role in supporting industries and workforce mobility.
Key Findings from the Study
The Strategic Transportation & Analysis Report identifies 72 congestion risk areas, or “hotspots,” that could impact Ohio’s economic goals. These locations were evaluated in the context of ODOT’s mission to maintain a safe, accessible, and efficient transportation network.
- Of the 72 congestion hotspots, 51 were already recognized by ODOT, with $13 billion in planned projects. However, $6.1 billion of these projects remain unfunded, thereby presenting a distinct challenge as a hurdle to Ohio’s economic vitality.
- The study identified 21 additional congestion hotspots that currently have no designated funding.
- ODOT has emphasized that while Ohio’s major highway corridors are currently handling the state’s needs, congestion risks could hinder future economic expansion.
“Overall, most of Ohio’s major highway corridors are handling the needs of today and are expected to do so in the future, even if current population and economic growth trends accelerate,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “However, we have identified congestion risks that could hinder future economic development. This tool will assist ODOT and local leaders in ensuring transportation is never a roadblock to economic opportunity.”
Richland County’s Role in the Report
Mansfield and Richland County feature prominently in the study, which highlights several congestion risks along US30. Specifically, congestion between Trimble Road and SR39 was identified as a medium-intensity issue. The Richland County Regional Planning Commission (RCRPC) is currently using its “Looking Forward 2045” plan to address future transportation needs, with projections indicating a slight population decline from 125,319 in 2022 to 115,000 by 2045.
Certain areas near Ashland and Mansfield, particularly west of I-71, have seen modest growth. Their strategic location at the intersection of I-71, US42, US30, and US250 presents opportunities for freight-intensive and logistics-related businesses.
Future Transportation Planning and Investment
The study also identifies six critical corridors for interregional connectivity, including routes from Toledo to Columbus and Sandusky to Columbus, as specified in Ohio House Bill 23. These corridors will be monitored to assess how they meet travel demands over the next 10, 20, and 30 years.
Additionally, five of the 51 managed hotspots are currently being evaluated through planning or feasibility studies, with funding secured from the Silicon Heartland regional project. This funding aims to address increasing transportation demands in Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties. Notably, a recently completed rehabilitation project on US30 from SR309 to SR13 is expected to mitigate congestion in Mansfield. Further planning is underway for the US30/US42 interchange to ensure long-term efficiency.
For those interested, the full 400-page report can be accessed here.
Source: ODOT; Image by Ahmad Ardity from Pixabay
