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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 229. 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
• Using the narrowed focus area from Phase 1, the feasibility study will Include preliminary engineering assessments, comprehensive data collection, traffic pattern studies, cost estimation, and focused public engagement within the most promising general area
• Outcome: Preferred alignment for a potential connector​

As part of the initial work towards completion of the US 23/I-71 Connector Feasibility Study, ODOT has published a Draft Conceptual Alternatives Study (CAS). The CAS represents the initial look at identifying conceptual alignments for a potential new freeway connection between US 23 and I-71. 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 recommends five alignments located north of Ashley for future consideration and public feedback.