Central Ohio Matters
Central Ohio Matters is a podcast where hosts Michelle Gatchell and Ryan Rivers discuss the issues shaping Central Ohio's future. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local leaders, visionaries, and changemakers driving progress in Central Ohio. These conversations provide insights into the challenges facing our communities and the solutions being developed to move them forward.
Central Ohio Matters covers government policies, healthcare challenges, housing and business developments, transportation solutions, education, and innovation. It is your guide to understanding and engaging with the pulse of Central Ohio.
You can listen to Central Ohio Matters on WVXG 95.1 FM (Marion and Morrow Counties) and WDLR 96.7 FM, 1270 AM (Delaware, Marion, and Union Counties).
Also, find it on your favorite podcast streaming sites.
Central Ohio Matters
Navigating Ohio's Highways: A Conversation with ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning
Every day, millions of Ohioans travel across thousands of miles of roadway without giving much thought to the complex systems keeping them safe. That changes the moment we see those dreaded orange barrels or "Road Work Ahead" signs. What happens behind those barriers? How are decisions made about which roads get fixed and when?
Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, pulls back the curtain on the state's transportation infrastructure in this revealing conversation. From the strategic redesign of Columbus's notorious I-70/71 split (home to several of Ohio's most dangerous crash locations) to the science behind winter road treatments, Bruning offers fascinating insights into how ODOT works to keep traffic flowing safely across the Buckeye State.
Topics Include:
• The Downtown Columbus I-70/71 split project aims to reduce crashes by eliminating dangerous lane crossings
• Worker safety remains critical, with 58 ODOT crews hit so far this year compared to 84 in all of last year. The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing lights. Bruning reminds us - "When you see road workers, remember they're real people with families waiting for them at home. Move over, slow down, and give them room to work safely."
• Infrastructure funding faces long-term challenges as fuel-efficient vehicles reduce gas tax revenue despite increased traffic. The federal gas tax hasn't increased since 1993, creating funding challenges as costs rise.
• Roundabouts significantly improve intersection safety despite public resistance. Center landscaping in roundabouts strategically forces drivers to look left at yielding traffic.
• Projects across Ohio include US 33 upgrades in Athens County and studying a potential Route 23 bypass in Delaware County.
Whether you're curious about major projects transforming Ohio's transportation landscape or simply want to understand why that pothole on your commute hasn't been fixed yet, this episode delivers valuable insights about the roads connecting our communities. Follow ODOT at transportationohio.gov for project updates, construction guides, and to report road issues in your area.