Topic: ODOT Policy Discussion

[noozer]

(Quotes)"The list was created by ODOT staff in response to questions over whether the threshold should be raised to $10 million in order for something to be considered a major new project."

This is the key issue: With so much talk over so-called "shovel-ready" projects, it raised the question whether that phrase meant projects for which actual construction could begin in 60 to 120 days....or....if the funds need to be obligated to a project within that time frame so engineering and construction can begin on a new project.

My understanding is that many state DOT's have raised this question, because (as originally defined by Congress) there would be so few "shovel ready" new projects that the bulk of the stimuls funds would have gone toward (figuratively) "filling potholes"... which doesn't do much to stimulate the economy.

By adjusting the definition, states can seek funding for a broader array of road, rail and transit projects that really can stimulate the economy by creating an immediate infusion of construction jobs.

[tt342998]

This is the key issue: With so much talk over so-called "shovel-ready" projects, it raised the question whether that phrase meant projects for which actual construction could begin in 60 to 120 days....or....if the funds need to be obligated to a project within that time frame so engineering and construction can begin on a new project.

Interesting...in the meetings/discussions I have been a part of, the direction has been to have projects "shovel-ready" or able to begin construction by the 60-120 day time period.  I don't dispute the idea that using the funds for broader array of road, transit, rail projects would go a longer way in stimulating the economy, but it seems that the direction of the stimulus funding is geared towards creating (or recreating) jobs only and as quickly as possible.  The projects I have seen considered for the possible stimulus funding have either already been through the NEPA process and to a certain degree some or all design work or would not require a great deal of effort getting through those stages to meet the given deadline.  Honestly, I'm not sure there is enough definition yet to the stimulus funding to determine what type of projects may come out of it.

[Keith]

Sorry if this is posted elsewhere, I didn't see it.

Ohio transportation priorities: more options for shippers and travelers, panel says
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/01/task_force_delivers_gov_strick.html#more


Final Report is at...
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/groups/tft/Documents/21stCenturyTransportationPrioritiesTaskForceReport-Web.pdf

[noozer]

Well worth reading.  Passenger rail and transit play a big role in this report.  Both the Amtrak 3-C start-up and implementation of the Ohio Hub are among the reccommendations.

[Keith]

^I've been skimming over it for the last few minutes when no one is looking (darn supervisor expects me to actually do some work while I'm in the office) and I like the following paragraphs.

During its public meetings and in other conversations, the Task Force heard from many Ohioans about the need
for expanded and better public transit, including intercity and intra-city passenger rail service. Task Force
members heard from the business traveler who wanted to be able to hop on a train so she can work on her way
to an important meeting. They heard from the senior citizen whose independence was being jeopardized
because bus service was limited, and from the father who couldn’t find a job near a transit line and was have
difficulty providing for his family. And they heard from a woman in Northwest Ohio who compared living in a city
without decent public transit to “living on parole or house arrest except the only thing you have to do wrong is
not have a car.”

These and many other Ohioans need public transit. They want more transportation choices – alternatives to their
cars and to short flights. And they are worried because too often they have few, if any, travel options.

For Ohio, the problem is clear. Transit systems’ ridership is rising. So are costs. Transit systems need operating
support now more than ever. But state support for transit is decreasing, in large part because transit doesn’t
have a dedicated, predictable funding source.

Other than roads and highways, transit is Ohio’s biggest transportation need. Yet relative to highways, transit,
particularly buses, has small capital needs. At least in the near term, transit’s most acute need is for operating
support to pay for gas, drivers and maintenance. Yet, in these recessionary times, when Ohioans most need
affordable, reliable public transit, many transit systems are being forced to cut back on service.

The creation of a dedicated source of funding for public transit, including intercity and intra-city passenger rail,
has the opportunity to reshape Ohio’s landscape – both economically and physically. This is why public transit
has dominated Ohio’s transportation conversation in recent years.

Therefore, the Task Force recommends establishing a dedicated funding source for transit by directing a portion
of the new special motor fuel tax to operating support for the state’s transit systems. Initial funding for that
support should be on the order of $75 million for the first year but would increase over six years to represent a
state share of 25 percent of public transit’s operating expenses and 50 percent of the non-federal match for
capital expenses, which would be drawn from the $400 million of revenue remaining after payment of debt
service. And for this purpose, the Task Force repeats and expands on what it said in its discussion of
Recommendation L, where it called for the state of Ohio to:

 Through a voter referendum that amends the state constitution – levy a new special motor fuel tax using
the revenue from that special tax to secure bonds, and making both the proceeds of the bonds and the
increased revenue available to all transportation modes.

 Target a specific percentage of the proceeds of the bonds and the increased revenue to support public
transit, including both intercity and intra-city passenger rail.

An enhanced public transportation network will allow Ohio to reduce various service costs and enhance state
revenues by connecting workers with jobs, and jobs with workers; connecting customers with retail
establishments; connecting students to schools; connecting residents with medical facilities; and allowing our
communities to develop in more efficient and sustainable ways. And a dedicated funding source for transit will
allow transit systems to plan for the future based on a reliable budget. Without an adequate, reliable funding
source, transit systems cannot strategically invest, expand and serve their customers.

[gildone]

^I just gave it a cursory read.  I think the task force did a very good job.  The report is comprehensive and appropriately blunt.

[KJP]

From http://www.allaboardohio.org/cms/index.php...

All Aboard Ohio supports state transportation task force recommendations

All Aboard Ohio, the only statewide citizens association whose mission is to advocate for improved passenger rail and transit services, welcomes and supports the recommendations of the Ohio 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force. The task force recommended to Gov. Ted Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly that they should develop a more multi-modal transportation system that puts much greater emphasis on railroads and public transportation than it has in the past.

All Aboard Ohio was a member of the task force through its Northeast Ohio Director Kenneth Sislak. The task force brought together many diverse interests, including those representing public transportation, freight railroads, economic development, environmental issues, labor, biking, aviation, waterways and, of course, highways.

"The recommendations issued today (Jan. 6) are the kinds of policies and projects which we believe would create jobs in Ohio in a responsible, sustainable way that respects the challenges of the 21st century," said All Aboard Ohio’s Interim Executive Director Ken Prendergast. "We are facing very difficult economic, energy and environmental questions. Our fragile economy and environment cannot afford to ignore these questions or respond to them inadequately. Bold answers are needed and All Aboard Ohio believes this report offers them."

One of the most important sections of the report, All Aboard Ohio believes, is in Recommendation M (see Page 54), which would "Establish a dedicated and adequate source of funding for public transit, including buses, light rail, streetcars, trolleys, intercity and intra-city passenger rail."

The text in Recommendation M also refers to the previous section, for Recommendation L, where it called for the state of Ohio to:

> Through a voter referendum that amends the state constitution – levy a new special motor fuel tax using the revenue from that special tax to secure bonds, and making both the proceeds of the bonds and the increased revenue available to all transportation modes.

> Target a specific percentage of the proceeds of the bonds and the increased revenue to support public transit, including both intercity and intra-city passenger rail.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

Please let your state senators and representatives in Columbus know how you feel about this report and what they should do with its recommendations.

Call their offices or write a short letter in your own words that has the basic message: "I support dedicated state funding for passenger trains and public transit at dollar amounts recommended in the transportation task force’s report. That includes dedicating new gas taxes to the development and operation of passenger trains and public transit." Thank you for any positive communications you can make with your state legislators to support trains and transit.

[UrbanSurfin]

This is big news. Too bad you can't get it in Columbus. No story in today's Columbus Dispatch about the Ohio 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force report. The Dispatch does not have a "transportation" reporter. It has a "commuting" reporter. As if central Ohioans travel only to and from work. Don't blame the reporter. She understands the big picture. But her editors don't.

[noozer]

This is how the "big news" got reported on-line in at least four major Ohio daily papers...with an AP story that was (at best) dismissive.

Panel urges 13-cent increase in Ohio gas tax
Wednesday,  January 7, 2009 8:38 AM

CLEVELAND (AP) - A state task force is recommending that Ohio's 28 cents per gallon fuel tax be increased by 13 cents to raise more money for the state's transportation needs.

The panel also is calling for a state constitutional amendment to allow gas tax revenue to pay for waterway and transit system improvements, in addition to the highway and bridge construction the money now goes toward.

And, the 62-member task force made up of government and business officials says the state should consider hiking vehicle registration and driver's license fees by $1 each to raise even more transportation revenue.

A spokesman for Gov. Ted Strickland says the governor appreciates the panel's work but doesn't think a tax increase is the best idea in the middle of a recession.

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/01/07/copy/gas.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

[noozer]

A much more detailed (and better) version of the story from the P-D:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/01/ohio_transportation_panel_urge.html

Ohio Transportation Panel Urges New Fuel Tax
The Plain Dealer; Wednesday, January 7, 2009
by Karen Farkas and Reginald Fields

Ohio needs to increase the fuel tax to pay for transportation improvements or else it will face a crisis as roads deteriorate and rail and transit can't meet the public's needs, a statewide transportation panel has concluded.

The group of public officials and private businesspeople issued a wide-ranging report Tuesday that looks at 21st century transportation priorities in the state. The panel said the state has a good system of interstates, rail lines and public transit systems, but those entities act independently and need to be integrated.

Additionally, Ohio's network of roads, rail, waterways and transit systems is aging, and its waterways are underused, the report said.

Task force members recommend that a fuel tax be approved by voters as a constitutional amendment to allow the money to go for all transportation needs. An additional 13 cents fuel tax would provide at least $800 million annually in new revenue, the report said.


......

[Sherman Cahal]

No where else to put this...

ODOT planner approaches 40 years of freeway duties
Official has helped pave the way for some of the largest projects in state history
By David Patch, Toledo Blade, January 5, 2009

Forty years after helping make sure Toledo's freeway system was built as designed, Mike Ligibel is now in charge of plans to bring portions of that work up to date.

As an engineering intern with what was then the Ohio Department of Highways during the late 1960s, Mr. Ligibel found himself assigned to an array of tasks, from ensuring earthwork was correct to rechecking design calculations and finalizing plan documents.


......

[noozer]

Road map for Ohio
A task force intelligently addresses the state's transportation needs. Too bad the governor fails to embrace its leadership
Beacon Journal (Akron) : Editorial             
January 9, 2009

Seven months ago, Ted Strickland issued a broad and difficult challenge to a task force on Ohio's transportation needs. In many ways, the governor's charge reflected the approach necessary to guide Ohio forward on many fronts. Find consensus. Think boldly. Plan comprehensively, envisioning the state as a whole, all of its parts working together.

The 62 members of the 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, made up of business, construction, environmental and local government interests, embraced those ideas. Its final report, issued this week, took to heart Strickland's urging to ''envision and champion the optimum transportation system for Ohio's future and recommend the resources and financial tools needed to build and sustain it.''

Ohio, historically a transportation crossroad for the nation, is itself at a crossroad, the task force found. The state's aging transportation system, heavily dominated by roadways, is not well-connected or environmentally friendly.

......

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/37321439.html

[jpop]

The reckoning for ODOT?
Submitted by David Beach  |  Last edited January 19, 2009 - 9:41am
http://www.gcbl.org/blog/david-beach/the-reckoning-for-odot

Our state’s transportation system is about to hit a wall of problems. The maintenance bill for a massive amount of aging roads and bridges is coming due. The major transportation funding source, the gas tax, is less reliable as motorists shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles. And everything from concerns about climate change to the growing market demand for affordable transportation choices and walkable neighborhoods is making people ask whether the current transportation system — characterized by dependence on the automobile and the promotion of steadily increasing demand for greater mobility through sprawling suburbs — can be sustained.

How can we avoid the crash? It won’t be easy. The current system is perpetuated by entrenched bureaucracies like ODOT, automobile-centric policies at all levels of government, and powerful interests like highway contractors and the auto industry.

During the past year, however, I saw hints that even agencies like ODOT are being forced to realize that the current system is not sustainable. I saw this while serving on a big state task force that was charged by the Governor to set new transportation priorities for the 21st century.

It was an all-the-usual-suspects-at-the-table kind of task force — everyone from the highway contractors and the trucking industry to advocates of transit and urban revitalization. And the final task force report, which was released earlier this month, includes a mixed bag of recommendations.

On the positive side, the report calls for:

*Developing a more multi-modal transportation system that offers greater choices.

*Developing a statewide transportation plan that will align transportation investments with state strategies for economic development and reinvestment in existing communities. This will include state grants to integrate transportation and land-use plans with emphasis on increasing market share for transit, walking and bicycling, as well as for rail and waterborne freight. (The integration of land use and transportation is critical, as the density of land uses determines what transportation modes are practical.)

*Providing state incentives to promote regional collaboration.

*Improving public transit service and providing dedicated state funding for local transit systems and passenger rail.

*Starting passenger rail service in the 3-C corridor (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati).

*Funding “complete streets” pilot projects to demonstrate street designs that accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motorists. (While good to see, this recommendation should have been stronger. “Complete streets” should simply become a basic policy.)

*Reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. The task force report says, “There are several ways the transportation sector can directly reduce carbon emissions. These include actions designed to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), expand the use of alternative fuels, promote energy-efficient practices and facilitate the application of smart technologies. Ohio can reduce carbon emissions further by directly linking transportation investment decisions to sustainable land use practices that are transit supportive, which have the affect of reducing VMT.” (The fact that ODOT is acknowledging the need to respond to climate change is a victory indeed. The next step will be to commit to a specific goal for carbon reduction and develop a strategy for meeting the goal.)

*Adding flexible new revenue sources that can support all modes of transportation, unlike the current state gas tax which is restricted to roads.

*If these recommendations were really implemented, Ohio’s transportation system could begin to move in a more sustainable direction.

However, on the negative side, the task force report also talks a lot about adding capacity to highways to reduce traffic congestion and handle much greater volumes of truck freight. Moreover, the current gas tax would remain in place to continue funneling most transportation funds exclusively to road projects and perpetuating the status quo.

The report also lacks specifics in many areas. For instance, while it contains nice language about creating a more multi-modal transportation system, it never defines what success would be like. What is the target for percent of trips made by transit or bike? How much can driving be reduced by programs for urban revitalization and compact land use? How much freight can be shifted from trucks to rail? And what is the strategy for producing the desired results?

ODOT staff members say that such targets and strategies will be developed as planning continues in the coming months. Thus, it will be important for reform advocates to remain engaged in the process.

Meanwhile, media coverage of the task force has focused on recommendations for raising additional revenue and the politics (extremely difficult) of increasing the state gas tax. Indeed, it’s tempting to be cynical about the task force and view it merely as a vehicle for justifying an ODOT bailout.

If that ends up being the only result, then the task force will have been a waste of a lot of people’s time. But if the recommended policy and planning reforms are put into practice, then it will have been worthwhile.

Imagine if ODOT actually made it a priority to reduce carbon emissions from transportation by 80%. Such a priority would force many other positive changes, from cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars to reduction of vehicle miles traveled. Now is the time to keep up the pressure on ODOT and the Governor to adopt such changes — and develop a truly sustainable transportation system for the 21st century.

[taestell]

Seriously.  Let's either make gas tax a percentage of the price of gas, or index it to inflation.

[KLF]

"Imagine if ODOT actually made it a priority to reduce carbon emissions from transportation by 80%. Such a priority would force many other positive changes, from cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars to reduction of vehicle miles traveled. Now is the time to keep up the pressure on ODOT and the Governor to adopt such changes — and develop a truly sustainable transportation system for the 21st century."

It is not in ODOT's authority to reduce carbon emissions by 80%; there is essentially no new road funding for ODOT 2 years from now. Serious reductions in emissions will only come from 1) fleet-level emission reduction strategies (cleaner vehicles/fuel); 2) land-use reform which was not seriously addressed in the task force report; and 3) road-building moratorium. But a road-building moratorium won't do much in and of itself.

[gildone]

^ and:  4) investing in mass transit and intercity rail.  Land use reform is a huge one and I'm glad you mentioned it.

[noozer]

New ODOT Director Named

From the Office of Governor Ted Strickland:
January 22, 2009

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Jolene Molitoris as the next director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, upon the retirement of current ODOT Director James Beasley on January 30th.
 
“Jim has made lasting impacts during his time at the Ohio Department of Transportation,” Governor Strickland said. “He has led ODOT in a way that ensured integrity and ethics in the agency, instilled fiscal accountability and restraint, and modernized ODOT to think beyond just the highway system.”

Under Director Beasley’s leadership, ODOT revised its mission to include all modes of travel: highway, rail, waterway, transit, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian. Director Beasley also worked to cut non-essential spending in the agency and find new efficiencies, saving the department $180 million in one year.

Assistant Director Molitoris will be the first woman to lead this multi-modal agency.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Molitoris as the first woman to head the Federal Railroad Administration, where she led agency-wide changes to make significant improvements in safety and customer service. The changes resulted in the seven safest years in U.S. railroad history.
 
“From her work in Washington and Ohio, Jolene is nationally recognized for her leadership in the transportation industry,” Strickland said. “Our continued investment in infrastructure is critical if we want to put Ohioans back to work and stimulate our state’s economic recovery. As ODOT director, Jolene will continue Jim’s dedication to building Ohio’s transportation system for the 21st Century and beyond.”

“Building on the achievements of Director Beasley, ODOT will strive to integrate all modes of transportation in this state, giving Ohioans real choices and connecting the investment of state dollars to the creation of new jobs and economic development,” said Ms. Molitoris, in a news release issued by the Governor’s Office. “As director, I look forward to working closely with our public and private partners to truly transform transportation and move Ohio into a prosperous new world.”

An announcement will be made soon on plans to congratulate Director Beasley and Ms. Molitoris at ODOT’s Central Office.

[MyTwoSense]

Whats the intel on this dude?

[327]

Sounds like we got a rail person, so I'm tentatively overjoyed.

[KJP]

I got your intel right here. And she's not a dude, MTS...

http://209.51.133.155/cms/index.php/news_releases/more/all_aboard_ohio_cheers_molitoris_earning_odot_helm/

Jan 22, 2009: All Aboard Ohio cheers Molitoris' earning ODOT helm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Jan 22, 2009
Contact:
Ken Prendergast
All Aboard Ohio Interim Executive Director
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org

All Aboard Ohio, a nonprofit association which advocates improvements to passenger trains and public transit, applauded Gov. Ted Strickland’s choice of Jolene Molitoris as the next director of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Ms. Molitoris will take ODOT’s helm following the retirement of James Beasley Jan. 30.

“Mr. Beasley’s efforts to lead the reform of ODOT into a multi-modal transportation department rather than one dominated by highways has been a welcome change from past directors,” said All Aboard Ohio’s Interim Executive Director Ken Prendergast. “We expect that will continue under Ms. Molitoris’ leadership. We thank Gov. Strickland for making this excellent choice.”

Ms. Molitoris was head of the Federal Railroad Administration under President Bill Clinton. She then went into consulting and was an active member of All Aboard Ohio’s Board of Directors. Afterwards she was appointed by Gov. Strickland for the #2 post at ODOT in early 2008.

Also last year, Ms. Molitoris was appointed by the governor as chair of the Ohio Rail Development Commission where her leadership resulted in ORDC working with Amtrak to develop a plan for a “starter service” in the Cleveland - Columbus - Dayton - Cincinnati (3-C) Corridor. The nine-month implementation planning work for several daily round trips operating at 79 mph officially commenced Jan. 1, 2009.

“All Aboard Ohio and Jolene Molitoris share a passion for getting passenger train service up and running in the 3-C Corridor and we want to see it happen by the end of 2010,” Prendergast said. “We also believe in creating dedicated funding sources within ODOT for trains and transit. That was a major recommendation announced earlier this month by the governor’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force. We look forward to working with Ms. Molitoris on making a more multi-modal transportation system in Ohio a reality.”

“From her work in Washington and Ohio, Jolene is nationally recognized for her leadership in the transportation industry,” said Gov. Strickland in a written statement. “Our continued investment in infrastructure is critical if we want to put Ohioans back to work and stimulate our state’s economic recovery. As ODOT director, Jolene will continue Jim’s dedication to building Ohio’s transportation system for the 21st Century and beyond.”

“Building on the achievements of Director Beasley, ODOT will strive to integrate all modes of transportation in this state, giving Ohioans real choices and connecting the investment of state dollars to the creation of new jobs and economic development,” said Ms. Molitoris, in a news release issued by the Governor’s Office. “As director, I look forward to working closely with our public and private partners to truly transform transportation and move Ohio into a prosperous new world.”

###

[shs96]

That is certainly exciting news!

[musky]

Strickland names Jolene Molitoris new ODOT director       Posted by Aaron Marshall/Plain Dealer Columbus Bureau Reporter January 22, 2009 14:29PM


                

Jolene Molitoris


COLUMBUS — Gov. Ted Strickland announced today that he is tapping Jolene Molitoris, the current assistant of the Ohio Department of Transportation, to become the new ODOT chief effective Jan. 30.

The 67-year-old will become the first woman to head the state's transportation department and will replace current ODOT Director James Beasley, who will retire at the end of the month.



The Dublin woman has been a pioneer before when she served as the first woman to head the Federal Railroad Administration under President Bill Clinton.


"From her work in Washignton and Ohio, Jolene is nationally recognized for her leadership in the transportation industry," said Strickland in a statement relased by his office. "Our continued investment in infrastructure is critical if we want to put Ohioans back to work and stimulate our state's economic recovery. As ODOT director, Jolene will continue Jim's dedication to building Ohio's transportation system for the 21st century and beyond."

  In the release, Molitoris is quoted as saying that she looks "forward to working closely with our public and private partners to truly transform transportation and move Ohio into a prosperous new world."

[noozer]

The Morning Journal (morningjournal.com), Serving Northern Ohio
Opinion

'OUR VIEW' EDITORIAL: Ohio’s new ODOT director just the ticket for rail traffic

Monday, January 26, 2009 7:00 AM EST

Gov. Ted Strickland has made a good choice in Jolene Molitoris to lead the Ohio Department of Transportation.

We’d ask one thing of her — help bring commuter rail to Lorain’s Black River Landing.

Molitoris, 67, of Dublin, has been serving as assistant director under ODOT chief James Beasley, who retires on Jan. 30. She also chairs the Ohio Rail Development Commission and was the first woman to head the Federal Railroad Administration during the Clinton administration.

Strickland has pushed ODOT to consider all modes of transportation: highway, rail, waterway, transit, aviation, bicycle and even pedestrians.

With federal stimulus dollars by the millions expected soon, expanding commuter rail travel throughout the state should be a top priority.


........

URL: http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/01/26/opinion/doc497da5c612e10706347570.prt

[Sherman Cahal]

Oh my, she is 67 YEARS OLD?

[noozer]

If you've ever met her, you'd never know it.  She does not at all look or act her age.  Very energetic and a sharp mind for transportation issues.

[KJP]

She has more energy than I have...

[BuckeyeB]

She could run six of us right into the ground. Also very dynamic, focused and driven. While it remains to be seen what a difference she will make in policy matters (fingers crossed), there is no question that she has what it takes for the job.

[Keith]

This article could probably go in several places.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/02/gov_stricklands_transportation.html

Gov. Strickland's transportation plan: more tolls, costlier car registration, cross-state train
Posted by Karen Farkas

[Sherman Cahal]

ODOT can install tolls on its existing state highways (e.g. OH 161) where no federal monies were used, but cannot on existing interstate highways unless the state pays the federal government their share of the construction costs with inflation. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, have tried this in vein but have failed. It's a good idea, and one that I support, if we can somehow override the FHWA regulation on the tolling of existing interstate highways...

[taestell]

I think that the revamped I-75 through Cincinnati should be tolled.

[Boreas]

Sherman, does that mean that the Ohio government would have to remunerate the federal government for construction costs from 50 years ago if they wanted to put tolls on the interstate highways?  Is that what I am hearing? 

Did the toll-plan for I-80 in PA fail to meet federal approval?  I recall that the federal government had to weigh in on it.  I didn't like the "toll gate every 30 miles" plan, but I think they should have put up a few on the long stretches between urban areas.  I would place one just east of Mercer & I-79 and one near Clearfield or Snowshoe, obvious choke-points for long distance travel.

[Sherman Cahal]

Yes, ODOT would need to pay the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) the original construction costs of XX years ago, including inflation, to put tolls on existing interstate highways.

There are exceptions, but they are very few and for extraordinary situations. The West Virginia Turnpike was originally two-lanes, but was upgraded to four-lanes at an extremely high cost. For years, prior to the completion of the widening in 1988, Interstates 64 and 77 simply ended at both ends of the turnpike, and was labeled merely as "TO Interstate 64 / 77." Since the costs of widening was so high, the federal government chipped in a lot of money to complete the project, but allowed the Turnpike to continue charging tolls to retire the old debts.

The toll plan for Pennsylvania's Interstate 80 failed to meet FHWA approval. The same can be said for South Carolina's application for Interstate 95 -- and both are excellent examples of interstates that feature predominately through traffic from other states.

It would be nice if we can toll existing interstates without having to wrangle through the FHWA, but oh well.

As for tolling in urban areas, it would only exaggerate congestion in Cincinnati if we were to toll Interstate 75. Yeah, we can use transponders and install high-speed toll lanes, but you still need 'exact change' coin buckets for those who do not have transponders -- which is most of the population. For the most part, the east and northeast use "EZ-PASS" for electronic toll collection, but Oklahoma uses "OK-PASS," and Florida uses "SUN-PASS." And none work with each other. There is a push to nationalize toll collection so that "EZ-PASS" works everywhere (it is the largest such system), but you still can't mandate everyone to install one in a car that links to a credit/debit card.

Rural areas, I am fine with.

[KLF]

The widening of I-75 in Cincinnati could feature a toll lane, but the project is so far along in development that it is doubtful that ODOT would want to change course at this time (would require a revised environmental document and public involvement, plus doubt it would fly politically in Cincinnati).

Toll lanes do not necessarily have to accept cash, nor even be barrier separated. I-394 in Minneapolis was an under-used HOV lane that was converted to a HOT lane...purely electronic tolling. 

[unusualfire]

Well you could elevate a toll road above the interstate, but that would require every interchange to be modified.

[Sherman Cahal]

One of the proposals early on in the Interstate 75 rebuilding project was to add elevated lanes, although this would have been prohibitively expensive -- tolled or not, and would have required every interchange, bridge, overpass, etc. to be demolished and rebuilt. There were also major aesthetic issues for that as well.