Time to repeal I-71 interchange mandate at Boston Road: Melanie Miller

In fall 2023, the Ohio House Economic and Workforce Development Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee held proponent testimony on my and state Rep. Sharon Ray’s House Bill 276 and state Sen. Mark Romanchuk’s Senate Bill 155, respectively. Both would repeal the Interstate 71 interchange in Brunswick that was mandated by last year’s state transportation budget.

 
This interchange – and the horrendous precedent it sets for the rest of the state – is why I voted “No” on the Transportation Budget. It is now why I am fighting diligently alongside my colleagues and constituents to prevent this interchange from becoming a reality.

 
 I’m so proud of so many of my constituents who have made the trip to Columbus numerous times to make their voices heard at the Statehouse. I truly believe that my fellow committee members heard your pleas loud and clear: There are simply too many homes and livelihoods at stake for a viable interchange at Boston Road.

 
From my conversations in Columbus and Medina County, there is a growing consensus that most understand this, as well. Rest assured that it brings me incredible joy to know that our fight is not in vain, and that our efforts may one day yield our desired outcome.

However, there are some sensitivities around this issue that keep coming to mind, and that allow me to harbor optimism, even if our repeal effort does not succeed. For one, Gov. Mike DeWine, when he signed the transportation budget, sought for the cities of Strongsville and Brunswick to work together on a compromise for this interchange. This instruction was echoed again recently by the Ohio Department of Transportation in a letter to our cities.
 
Given ODOT and the governor’s direction that an interchange should only materialize with compromise, that should mean that Boston Road would no longer be an option for this mandated interchange -- period. 

It would then mean that Strongsville and Brunswick would actually now have to come together and compromise on an interchange between the two cities. 

It is my understanding that the Drake Road or Shurmer Road options have been discussed several times before and seem like the logical alternatives.

Even more, the prospect of an interchange at one of those locations may be becoming more than just speculation and may actually reflect the intention of the city of Strongsville to put the interchange there now. The city of Strongsville recently purchased land at Shurmer and Howe roads.

With all of the commotion around this interchange, and with ODOT and the governor calling for compromise on alternative locations, does it not seem like Strongsville is preparing Shurmer Road for the alternative interchange site?

 
 
While I would be extremely happy that my constituents on Boston Road would be saved from the threat of this impending interchange, my heart aches for those on Shurmer and Howe who would no doubt assume this unthinkable burden.

  
There truly is no good outcome from this forced interchange. I urge the swift passage of House Bill 276 and Senate Bill 155.