All individuals, firms, and corporations using or occupying any part of a road or highway on the state highway system with telegraph or telephone lines, steam, electrical, or industrial railways, oil, gas, water, or other pipes, mains, conduits, or any object or structure, other than by virtue of a franchise or permit granted and in force, shall remove from the bounds of the road or highway, their poles and wires connected therewith, and any tracks, switches, spurs, or oil, gas, water, or other pipes, mains, conduits, or other objects or structures, when in the opinion of the director of transportation they constitute obstructions, or they interfere or may interfere with the contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, repair, or use by the traveling public of the roads or highways.

All individuals, firms, or corporations so occupying any road or highway on the state highway system, under and by virtue of a franchise or permit granted and in force, shall relocate their properties and all parts thereof within the bounds of the road or highway when in the opinion of the director they constitute obstructions, or they interfere with or may interfere with the contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, repair, or use of the road or highway. The relocation within the bounds of the road or highway shall be in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the director.

If, in the opinion of the director, such individuals, firms, or corporations have obstructed any road or highway on the state highway system, or if any of their properties are so located that they do or may interfere with the contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, repair, or use of the road or highway, the director shall notify such individual, firm, or corporation directing the removal of the obstruction or properties, or the relocation of the properties. If the individual, firm, or corporation does not within five days from the service of the notice proceed to remove or relocate the obstruction or properties and complete the removal or relocation within a reasonable time, the director may remove or relocate the same by employing the necessary labor, tools, and equipment. Any notice required under this section shall be made by personal service, certified mail, or express mail.

If, in the director's opinion, the obstruction or properties present an immediate and serious threat to the safety of the traveling public, the director may remove or relocate the obstruction or properties without prior notice.

When the director performs a removal or relocation under this section, the costs and expenses shall be paid by the director out of any appropriation of the department of transportation available for the establishment, construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, or repair of highways, and the amount thereof shall be certified to the attorney general for collection by civil action.

As used in this section, "road" or "highway" has the same meaning as in section 5501.01 of the Revised Code and also includes any part of the right of way.

Effective Date: 04-05-2001 .