To repeal section 5501.60 of the Revised Code to replace the requirement that the Department of Transportation construct certain interstate interchanges with a traffic congestion study.
Summary
HB 9 repeals an existing Revised Code section that required the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct certain interstate interchanges. In place of that construction mandate, the bill directs the Director of Transportation, in consultation with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (or with that agency leading the study at the Director’s discretion), to conduct a traffic congestion management strategic plan study.
The study is limited to the Interstate 71 corridor in a defined area bounded by U.S. Route 42, State Route 303, and West 130th Street. The bill requires the study to be completed and a report submitted by December 31, 2026, to the Governor, legislative leaders, transportation committee chairs, and the municipal governments of Strongsville, North Royalton, and Brunswick. The report may also include recommended solutions to address congestion concerns identified in the study.
Impact
HB 9 would remove a statutory requirement for the Department of Transportation to build specified interstate interchanges and replace it with a planning-and-study approach focused on congestion management. This would shift state policy from a construction obligation to a discretionary analysis of traffic conditions and potential mitigation strategies in the I-71 corridor. It would also create a reporting requirement to state officials and affected local governments, but it does not itself authorize or fund any construction project.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and its introduction status, the measure appears to be framed as a practical response to traffic congestion rather than a controversial policy change. The bill’s structure suggests support for reevaluating infrastructure needs through study and planning before committing to construction. No committee testimony or recorded votes are available, so there is no documented public debate or formal sentiment beyond the bill’s introductory posture.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the replacement of a direct construction mandate with a study, which may disappoint supporters of immediate interchange construction and appeal to those favoring a more data-driven approach. Another potential issue is the bill’s narrow geographic focus on a specific I-71 corridor and nearby municipalities, which could raise questions about whether the area is being prioritized over other transportation needs. Because no transcripts or votes are available, the specific positions of legislators, local officials, or stakeholders are not documented in the provided materials.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.