DOT 36-14 Dayton
Monday, April 14, 2014
Contact: Neil Gaffney
Tel: 202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Calls for Transportation Investment, Tours I-75 Project During Visit to Dayton

Highlights Project's Economic Impact as part of Invest in America Bus Tour

DAYTON, Ohio – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today toured Dayton's I-75 project and met with workers as part of his Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour, calling the project an investment in Ohio's economic future that could be replicated across the country if Congress would support a long-term transportation bill. The Secretary's visit is part of a multi-state tour highlighting the urgent need to invest in America's transportation infrastructure at a time when the nation's surface transportation programs are set to expire and the Highway Trust Fund is running out of money.

"The work being done along I-75 not only creates jobs, but also lays the foundation for long-term economic growth for entire regions," said Secretary Foxx. "I'm traveling across the country all week to highlight projects like this that show the difference we can make if we invest in America and commit to the future – because just fixing what we have today isn't going to help us meet the transportation needs of the future."

Using $162 million in federal funds, the I-75 project will significantly modernize and upgrade approximately 3.7 miles of inefficient, outdated urban freeway in Dayton from south of US-35 to north of SR-4. Traffic operations and safety will be enhanced by removing left-hand exit and entrance ramps. The Ohio Department of Transportation is also improving spacing between interchanges and adding capacity with a third through lane in each direction. These upgrades are expected to greatly improve the traffic flow and safety in the corridor.

Construction is complete on improvements made at the I-75 interchanges with SR-4, Main Street and US-35 as well the replacement and widening of bridges at the northern crossing of the Great Miami River. The third phase of the project is currently underway and includes work at the interchange with the Central Business District and the replacement of bridges at two crossings (the middle and southern) crossings of the Great Miami River. The project was started in 2007 and is expected to be completed in 2017.

After touring the project, Secretary Foxx spoke about the Administration's plan to address the infrastructure deficit with a $302 billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal. The plan will invest in our national infrastructure network, increase safety and efficiency and provide greater access to ladders of opportunity, all without adding to the deficit. Later this month, Secretary Foxx and President Obama will send a bill to Congress that will make this vision a reality and put more Americans back to work repairing and modernizing our roads, bridges, railways, and transit systems.

"Throughout our history, Americans have always been able to leave their children a brighter future, thanks in part to the opportunities transportation has provided," said Secretary Foxx. "We are at risk of failing our children. We need to not only invest in America, but commit to the future – not only rebuild and repair our roads and bridges, but reimagine how we do it."

Secretary Foxx's Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour is taking him through eight states in five days. The tour includes visits to manufacturers, bridges, freight facilities and highway projects in an effort to raise awareness of America's infrastructure needs. Secretary Foxx is visiting with business leaders, stakeholders and community members to discuss how transportation projects are making a difference, and to highlight infrastructure gaps that we need to fill in order to promote economic growth and American competitiveness.

To follow the trip's progress, please click here.

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