(DELAWARE, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department
of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks today announced
new recommendations to improve safety and traffic flow on a
heav23connectily traveled section of U.S. 23 between Columbus and
Toledo.
Daily travel on the 23-mile stretch of U.S. 23 from Worthington to
Waldo currently exceeds the road's capacity by 30 percent, causing
regular traffic crashes and significant traffic congestion. Between
2020 and 2024, nine people were killed and 72 people were seriously
injured in crashes within these 23 miles alone. The average
rush-hour commute is currently 40 minutes, and by 2050, ODOT
estimates the commute will increase to 75 minutes.
"This small stretch of U.S. 23 is a vital corridor for freight, and
those living and working in this area depend on it - but this road
is not on par with the other routes that connect our major cities
and even some of our mid-sized communities," said Governor DeWine.
ODOT's U.S. 23 Connect road construction recommendations, which are
divided into seven sections, would eliminate nearly all of the 39
traffic lights along the corridor, bringing the total number of
signals to seven or fewer. The proposal would also widen lanes, add
several interchanges, and construct overpasses to cut future rush
hour travel time to less than 30 minutes. ODOT also estimates that
the recommended upgrades would reduce traffic crashes by 50 percent,
equating to the prevention of around 250 crashes.
Governor DeWine asked ODOT to evaluate U.S. 23 road construction
options in tandem with its ongoing statewide Strategic
Transportation and Development Analysis that is assessing the needs
of Ohio's entire transportation network with respect to the state's
growing population and increasing economic development success. The
statewide study, which is expected to be complete by the end of the
year, will include the consideration of more direct freeway
connections between Columbus and Toledo.
"These recommendations along U.S. 23 from Worthington to Waldo will
improve safety and congestion for residents in these communities as
well as those who commute through this area," said Governor DeWine.
"No matter what strategy the statewide study recommends on how to
build a freeway between Toledo and Columbus, these U.S. 23
improvements must happen regardless.”
DETAILS: ODOT's Recommendations for U.S. 23
To fund the proposed U.S. 23 roadwork, ODOT estimates a cost of
approximately $1.4 to $1.9 billion. Projects would be completed on a
rolling basis.
“ODOT is no stranger to tackling major projects by taking small
bites over several years rather than waiting decades for all the
funding to be available at once. From the Downtown Ramp Up in
Columbus to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project in Cincinnati,
we know how to get things done,” said Director Marchbanks.
Governor DeWine has already committed $17 million for the initial
design of U.S. 23 north of the city of Delaware, laying the
groundwork for future investments. This includes the removal of
seven signals from Delaware at Pennsylvania Avenue to State Route
229.
ODOT developed the recommendations for U.S. 23 after a series of
public meetings between ODOT and local stakeholders, including the
public, local government, school districts, businesses, and first
responders. Since then, engineers have analyzed data and more than
600 public comments to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at
reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing overall travel
experience.
“Northwest Ohio has spoken with one voice on the need for an
efficient connection to Columbus for people and freight. With
improvements to the existing Route 23, Governor DeWine is taking a
positive first step toward a comprehensive plan that will support
Ohio’s future economic vitality,” said Sandy Spang, executive
director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.
ODOT's recommendations for U.S. 23 are not final plans. ODOT will
present more details on the options during five public meetings in
the coming months. The meetings will allow attendees to review the
recommendations and provide feedback to inform any modifications to
the plan.
The first public meeting will take place on August 6 at a time and
place to be announced by ODOT. The agency will advertise the public
meetings several weeks in advance through multiple channels,
including Facebook and X. Interested parties can also sign up to
receive direct emails about the meetings at publicinput.com/23connect.
Those without internet access can call ODOT at 740-833-8268 for more
information.
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