Ohio Issues Draft Freight Plan
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has updated and released for public feedback its state freight plan, Transport Ohio.
Ohio’s freight network includes 1,330 miles of interstate, 5,000-plus miles of active freight rail lines, 736 maritime system miles, eight airports with regular cargo service, and more than 110,000 miles of pipeline. It moved more 1 billion tons of goods worth more than $1.2 trillion in 2018, according to ODOT.
Transport Ohio (download below) analyzes the needs of the state’s roadway, rail, air cargo, maritime and pipeline networks.
It includes freight system strategies focusing on coordination, partnerships, innovation and technology for ODOT to implement through fiscal year 2027 and recommends freight system investments.
The plan meets both the existing freight plan requirements outlined in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, as well as requirements signed into law in November 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), according to ODOT.
The public comment period is open until April 10.
“Freight plays a vital role in Ohio’s economy, contributing to nearly 40% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019,” ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said. “While our freight system has served the state well, it must continue to adapt to evolving demands and pressures, structural trends, unmet needs and emerging opportunities. The system also must accommodate and prepare for continued growth with more capacity in the right places.”
