AASHTO Journal, 5 October 2012
Five Ohio Department of Transportation projects that were previously delayed are now moving forward due to funding made available through efficiency and innovation by the department, ODOT announced last week.
The projects had been pushed back more than a decade after ODOT announced a $1.6 billion budget shortfall in January. However, ODOT found just months later that it could redirect roughly $400 million that it had saved through better department efficiency, a reduction in both ODOT vehicles and staff, a higher gas tax collection than previously projected, redirecting federal earmark funds, and savings from an easier-than-expected winter.
“The sooner we can move forward with needed highway projects, the sooner those projects can start helping boost Ohio’s economy and create jobs,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray in a statement. “Community leaders are good about sharing with us the importance of specific new road or bridge projects and these actions today demonstrate that we’re listening. We’re not giving up and will continue to work to find new revenue to put towards vital transportation projects.”
The newly-invigorated projects include new bridge construction in multiple counties, reconstruction of interstate portions, and interchange reconstruction.
Additional information on the five ODOT projects moving forward is available at bit.ly/ODOTproj.