(A) Each toll project shall be maintained and kept in good condition and repair by the department of transportation or in accordance with the terms of a public-private agreement pursuant to sections 5501.70 to 5501.83 of the Revised Code. Toll projects shall be operated by toll collectors and other employees and agents that the department employs or contracts for. Toll projects shall be policed by the state highway patrol in accordance with section 5503.02 of the Revised Code; provided, that the state highway patrol also shall enforce all rules of the department adopted under division (A) of section 5531.15 of the Revised Code that relate to the operation and use of vehicles on a toll project and that are punishable under division (A) of section 5531.99 of the Revised Code.

(B) An action for damages against the state for any public or private property damaged or destroyed in carrying out the powers granted by sections 5531.11 to 5531.18 of the Revised Code shall be filed in the court of claims pursuant to Chapter 2743. of the Revised Code.

(C) All governmental agencies may lease, lend, grant, or convey to the department of transportation at its request, upon terms that the proper authorities of the governmental agencies consider reasonable and fair and without the necessity for an advertisement, order of court, or other action or formality, other than the regular and formal action of the authorities concerned, any property that is necessary or convenient to the effectuation of the purposes of sections 5531.11 to 5531.18 of the Revised Code, including public roads and other property already devoted to public use.

(D) Each bridge constituting part of a toll project shall be considered a bridge on the state highway system for purposes of sections 5501.47 and 5501.49 of the Revised Code.

(E) In accordance with Chapter 5501. of the Revised Code, the department of transportation shall make an annual report of its toll project activities for the preceding calendar year to the governor and the general assembly.

Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 533, §1, eff. 9/11/2014.

Added by 128th General Assemblych.7, HB 2, §101.01, eff. 7/1/2009.