BY 1808Delaware
For years, anyone who has driven U.S. 23 through Delaware County has felt the squeeze. The highway, carrying far more vehicles than it was designed for, now runs at over 30 percent above capacity. With growth continuing to push traffic higher, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is moving closer to a solution.
This week, ODOT announced it has narrowed its study of a potential bypass to just two possible routes. Both alignments would connect with Interstate 71 and skirt the village of Ashley, running either just north or just south of the community.
From Seven Options to Two
When the study began, seven different corridors were on the table. Months of technical review and community feedback have winnowed the list to two, both of which bypass Ashley entirely.
For village leaders, that news brings mixed feelings. Ashley’s mayor has acknowledged the disruption that a new highway could bring but also sees the potential for development that might follow.
What the Project Could Mean
The bypass is designed to do more than shave time off commutes. By improving flow between Columbus, Delaware County, and Toledo, ODOT hopes to ease congestion for daily drivers and strengthen the corridor for freight and shipping.
Early cost estimates range from $1 billion to $1.4 billion. A toll road is under discussion as one possible way to fund the massive undertaking.
Planning and Next Steps
The study was required in Ohio’s transportation budget, which set aside $500,000 for preliminary engineering before October 2025. No final decisions are on the table yet. Over the next year, ODOT will host meetings and workshops to gather feedback before choosing a recommended path forward.
In addition to the bypass idea, the agency is also considering more modest changes to U.S. 23 itself, including a proposal to reduce the number of traffic signals between I-270 and Waldo to just seven.
Local Voices
Reactions in the area are mixed. Some residents worry that rerouting such a major roadway could strain local roads or spur unwanted growth. Others, especially in the business and logistics community, argue that improved connectivity would be a boon for commerce.
As for Ashley, the mood is cautiously realistic. The mayor has described change as inevitable, with hopes that the village can steer the outcome toward opportunity rather than disruption.
The Road Ahead
Much remains uncertain: the final route, the funding strategy, and the balance between local concerns and regional needs. What is certain is that U.S. 23 will continue to carry more traffic than it was built for. Whether relief comes from a billion-dollar bypass or incremental improvements, Delaware County drivers will be watching closely.
