COLUMBUS AREA MOTORISTS LOSE MORE THAN $1,900 PER YEAR ON ROADS THAT ARE DETERIORATED, CONGESTED & LACK SOME SAFETY FEATURES. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY DUE TO INCREASED INVESTMENT, BUT SIGNIFICANT FUNDING GAP REMAINS.

Local speakers join national research group in review of Ohio road & bridge conditions, congestion, safety & funding needs

WHEN:
10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 21

WHERE:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
111 Liberty Street; Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio

WHAT:
The average driver in the Columbus area loses more than $1,900 annually as a result of driving on roads that are deteriorated, congested, and that lack some desirable safety features, according to a new report from TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, DC. Local speakers will join TRIP on Thursday to highlight the findings of the report and discuss possible solutions.

The report, Modernizing Ohio’s Transportation System: Progress and Challenges in Providing Safe, Efficient and Well-Maintained Roads, Highways and Bridges, examines road and bridge conditions, congestion, economic development, highway safety, and transportation funding in Ohio. In addition to statewide information, the report contains regional data for Cincinnati, Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.

TRIP’s report examines the impact of additional funds provided largely by the use of Ohio Turnpike bond proceeds, and documents the projected short-term and long-term shortfall in transportation funds to maintain, expand and improve the state’s transportation system. It includes lists of needed transportation projects in the state’s largest urban areas that have adequate funding to proceed by 2023, and needed projects in each area that lack funding to proceed.

WHO:
William Murdock, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
Jennifer Gallagher, P. E., Director, City of Columbus Department of Public Service
Cornell Robertson, P.E., P.S., County Engineer, Franklin County
Carolyn Bonifas Kelly, Associate Director of Research & Communication, TRIP

CONTACT:
Carolyn Bonifas Kelly (TRIP) 703.801.9212 (cell)
Rocky Moretti (TRIP) 202.262.0714 (cell)