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*NEW* April 2026 Study Update

In the recent transportation bill, the Ohio Legislature included a provision for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to conduct a feasibility study on the potential location of a new freeway connection between US Route 23 and Interstate 71 in Delaware, Marion, and Morrow Counties, as outlined in Section 755.60 of House Bill 54 and further amended by House Bill 96 under Ohio’s FY 2026–2027 Transportation Budget Act.

The Legislature tasked the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Turnpike & Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) with jointly evaluating the feasibility of this connection through multiple options, including upgrading existing state routes, constructing a new freeway, or developing a tolled facility.

This effort is composed of two main phases:

Phase 1: Planning Study (Interim Report)

• Completed: October 1, 2025
• Defined a broad study area that captured all reasonable north-south connection points from US 23 to I-71 within Delaware, Marion, and Morrow Counties. As part of this early step, seven conceptual corridors were identified for preliminary evaluation.
• Outcome: The planning study narrowed the focus to a specific area: US 23 north of Waldo, with potential routes either running north or south of the Village of Ashley and connecting to I-71 between US 36/SR 37 and SR 61. This focus area will move forward into the feasibility study for further engineering analysis.

Phase 2: Feasibility Study (Where We are Now)

• Expected Completion: October 1, 2026

• ODOT published a Draft Conceptual Alternatives Study (CAS) in February 2026. The CAS represents the initial look at identifying conceptual alignments for a potential new freeway connection between US 23 and I-71 which will be integrated into the feasibility study. This Draft CAS evaluated 16 preliminary alignments within the study's Focus Area. Each alignment was evaluated against key considerations, including environmental constraints, community impacts, and engineering feasibility. The Draft CAS recommended five alignments located north of Ashley for additional consideration and public feedback.

• ODOT hosted six public meetings in March 2026 followed by a public comment period to gather public feedback on the Draft CAS and potential alignments. ODOT is using your feedback to refine potential alignments and identify a recommended preferred alignment.

• In the next round of public meetings this summer, ODOT will share:

  • An updated preferred alignment, reflecting public feedback and consistent with direction provided in HB 54

  • Updated evaluation of impacts

  • Preliminary Benefits Analysis findings, including how a connection affects I-71 (i.e., what improvements would be needed)

  • Additional detail on local connectivity considerations

  • Tolling feasibility results

  • Cost estimates for construction and right-of-way

• Outcome: By October 1, 2026, ODOT will deliver the final Feasibility Study to the Ohio Legislature. The Feasibility Study will include the recommended preferred alignment as well as public feedback received. In addition, it will include the result of the tolling analysis, traffic modeling, vehicle usage and predicted time savings, impacts and improvements needed on I-71, construction and right-of-way cost estimates, and summary of community and environmental impacts of the recommended preferred alignment.