(ONN) – Transportation planners in Ohio are considering the request of a congressman from southwest Ohio to move forward with a new north-south interstate in Ohio.

The idea for what would be Interstate 73 has been around since 1978.

It would connect northern Michigan with Myrtle Beach, and run roughly along U.S. 23 into the Appalachian Mountains.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Ohio Department of Transportation is conducting a $1.5 million study for Ohio’s part in the project, set to be released by the end of next year.

That would also mean automatic upgrades to U.S. 23.

An ODOT spokesman says the state highway department will upgrade U.S. 23 as funds become available whether a new interstate is built or not.