ODOT kicked off a series of open houses to gather feedback on Monday, September 29, 2025, in Mansfield. The goal is to create a guide reflecting “the needs, what are the wants, what are the aspirations maybe for transportation far out into the future,” Bruning stated.
What’s In the Plan?
The main goals of Access Ohio 2050 focus on safety, preserving the state’s existing transportation infrastructure, and improving efficiency and mobility.
Specific strategies discussed at the Mansfield open house include:
* Exploring improvements to eliminate bottlenecks for both people and freight.
* Supporting statewide economic development.
* Improving access to transit options
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What Ohioans Are Prioritizing
Initial public meetings and an online survey have already provided ODOT with clear insight into Ohioans’ priorities. Bruning noted that respondents have highlighted the need for more transportation options, including biking, walking, and transit.
Safety is also a significant concern. According to Bruning, about 95% of respondents agreed that prioritizing roadway safety and infrastructure investments is a necessity. So far, the top three goals for the Access Ohio 2050 plan that respondents have emphasized are:
* Reducing fatalities and serious injuries.
* Enhancing public transportation.
* Improving safe active transportation options (like walking and biking).
Addressing New Growth
Since the last update, much has changed in Ohio, especially in Central Ohio. Statewide Planning Manager Randy Long confirmed that massive new economic development, such as Intel’s investment in Licking County, must now be integrated into the long-range plan.
“In the Central Ohio region there’s a lot of growth,” Long said, which is driving a greater emphasis on improving capacity and reducing congestion so people can “travel more reliably.”
Get Involved
ODOT encourages every Ohioan to weigh in on the plan, stressing its importance to everyone, even non-drivers. “How that freight gets from the manufacturing point to the point of sale is important,” Bruning reminded.
Additional open houses are scheduled across Northeast Ohio:
* Youngstown: October 20
* Akron: October 21
* Cleveland: October 22
ODOT plans to release the final Access Ohio 2050 plan by the beginning of 2026.
Do you think these priorities reflect the transportation needs in your area of Ohio?