The Sierra Club's new report highlighted the Eastern Corridor Highway near Cincinnati as one of the worst transportation plans. It would drive a new four-lane roadway through important historical and archaeological sites, and run alongside the National and State Scenic Little Miami River.
Local resident and Sierra Club Transportation Committee Chair Chris Curran says it would increase truck traffic in areas near parks, fields and schools.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is still collecting input on the Eastern Corridor plan, and many residents have voiced opposition. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati streetcar project made the best list for it's ability to reduce pollution and vehicle emissions, drive economic development, and offer more transportation accessibility and mobility.
The report evaluated projects based on oil use, environmental impact, health effects, economics and land use. Curran says the streetcar is a great example, as other cities in Ohio look for ways to improve their transportation infrastructure.
Curran adds that the Eastern Corridor plan does have positive elements, including bike trails and a transit component, but she says the highway aspect needs to be removed.
Curran says more and more Ohioans are voicing interest in bus, rail and bicycles, but despite increased transit ridership and bicycle commuting, most transportation dollars are spent on highways, and little on other options.
Curran says transportation dollars need to be distributed more evenly, and include significant investments in public transit and other automobile alternatives.
