Improved Interchange at I-71 and U.S. 36/SR 37 and Proposed Sunbury Parkway
Improved Interchange at I-71 and U.S. 36/SR 37 and Proposed Sunbury Parkway
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is eager to reintroduce the public to this important proposed interchange improvement in Delaware County, Ohio.
In 2017 ODOT completed studies of the I-71 interchange with U.S. 36/SR 37. These studies evaluated roadway improvement options that would accomplish the following:
- Reduce congestion and improve the operation of U.S. 36/SR 37 through the interchange,
- Improve safety at the interchange by eliminating back-ups on I-71,
- Support future growth in Delaware County as intended by current land use and economic development plans, and
- Improve east-west connectivity across Delaware County for commuters and freight.
As a result of these studies and public outreach, ODOT proposed to construct a combined interchange to the south that would offer alternate access to existing U.S. 36/SR 37 and provide access to a new east-west roadway, Sunbury Parkway. At the time, the proposed section of Sunbury Parkway from Wilson Road to W. Cherry Street and the extension of Wilson Road (shaded area in the Study Area Map, below) were to be constructed using private funds. The private development has not progressed as expected and private funding is no longer anticipated. Recognizing the need for these improvements, ODOT intends to advance them using public funds, and therefore will re-evaluate studies and conduct additional public involvement.
Currently, ODOT is working on a revised feasibility study with the participation of Delaware County, Berkshire Township, and the City of Sunbury. This study includes: evaluating alignments for the Sunbury Parkway and Wilson Road Extension Area; updating traffic analyses; and identifying ecological resources, historic resources, and the potential for noise impacts within the study area. ODOT will be reaching out to the public during key decision points, including a public meeting planned for Spring/Summer 2023.
Click on the image below to enlarge it.
PID 90200
Project History
ODOT has been studying the U.S. 36/ SR 37 corridor at and near the I-71 interchange in Delaware County since 2003. Multiple studies were conducted between 2003 and 2010 including two safety studies, an access management study, two interchange feasibility studies, and one interchange modification study. Some studies were sponsored by ODOT and others sponsored by private sector development interests.
ODOT implemented two projects designed to increase safety and relieve congestion at the interchange. The first improvement, installed in 2013, reduced congestion at the interchange. The second, constructed in 2016, widened and lengthened the I-71 northbound exit ramp to the interchange. These projects provided short-term improvements; however, the steady increase in area traffic is rapidly diminishing the benefits of these two projects.
In 2012 and 2014 ODOT sponsored Feasibility Studies to consider long-term improvement alternatives. Studies considered options to improve the existing interchange, construct a combined interchange, or construct a new interchange to the north or south. The study concluded that the construction of a combined interchange to the south (which would integrate with the existing U.S. 36/ SR 37 interchange) and a new east‐west roadway alignment into the City of Sunbury would address the regional traffic needs of the area. This alternative was further refined in a 2016 Alternatives Evaluation Report (AER), which defined the interchange layout and studied alternate alignments of Sunbury Parkway west of I-71.
ODOT conducted two public involvement meetings in 2016 to obtain feedback on the recent studies. Alignment alternatives focused on the combined I-71 and U.S. 36/SR 37 interchange and the addition of a new roadway (Sunbury Parkway) between Africa Road and Wilson Road. An image of the presented alternatives is provided below.
Click on the image below to enlarge it.
Considering the purpose and need, operational performance, public comments, and impacts to the natural and human environment, ODOT determined that the Green Alternative (see image above), was the Preferred Alternative. As documented in the 2017 Environmental Assessment, ODOT held a public hearing in July 2017 to present this alternative and the associated public impacts and solicit public comments.
When ODOT completed project development in 2017, the section of Sunbury Parkway from Wilson Road east to the City of Sunbury and the extension of Wilson Road (see the shaded area in the Study Area Map, above) were expected to be constructed using private funds.
Because development in the area has not progressed as expected, private funding is no longer anticipated. To advance the project using public funds, ODOT is updating the Feasibility Study and considering new alternatives within the Sunbury Parkway and Wilson Rd. Extension Area.
The following studies that were referenced on this tab are available for viewing and download in the Documents section on this page.
- 2012-2014 Feasibility Study (Part 1 and Part 2)
- 2016 Alternatives Evaluation Report
- 2017 Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)