Mansfield Times

State Representative Melanie Miller of Ashland has reintroduced a bill aimed at addressing a proposed highway interchange project in her district. The legislation seeks to replace the current plan with a study on traffic congestion. Representative Sharon Ray from Wadsworth will join as a co-sponsor.

"One of the most distressing parts of the current interchange project is the demolition of homes," stated Miller. "Families who have planned their lives, including retirement, along Boston Road, would have their dreams ripped away."

The bill proposes repealing part of the State Transportation Budget for fiscal years 2024-25. This budget mandates the Ohio Department of Transportation to build an I-71 interchange on Boston Road in Brunswick.

Under this new legislation, the Director of Transportation and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency are tasked with conducting a study to create a traffic congestion management plan.

"I will continue to advocate for the preservation of the homes, the communities and the voices of my constituents in the city of Brunswick," said Miller. "I look forward to creating a better solution to the traffic concerns in the community."

State Senator Mark Romanchuk from Ontario plans to reintroduce a companion bill in the senate.

The proposed legislation is currently awaiting assignment of a bill number and committee review.