The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues work on a significant initiative to improve safety and traffic flow along U.S. 23 between I-270 and Waldo. Partnering with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, ODOT has announced the Route 23 Connect Study to tackle long-standing issues along this busy corridor.
Community Engagement Opportunities 📅
Public Meetings Scheduled: To ensure community voices are heard, ODOT is hosting six in-person public meetings throughout August. These open-house-style events will allow residents to drop in, review information, and provide crucial feedback on the project.
Meeting Schedule:
- August 6: Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, Lewis Center (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- August 14: Delaware County Fairgrounds (Afternoon and Evening sessions at same times)
- August 15: Brookshire Event Venue, Delaware (Afternoon and Evening sessions at same times)
Virtual Sessions Available 🖥️
Online Engagement: For those unable to attend in person, ODOT is offering two online question-and-answer sessions. These virtual meetings will include a brief presentation followed by an opportunity for public inquiry.
- Aug. 7: Noon session
- Aug. 13: 6:00 PM session
Participants can join via the project website or by phone. “These online sessions ensure that all community members have a chance to participate and have their voices heard,” Salem explains. Location: Location: publicinput.com/23Connect. Join by Phone: (855) 925-2801, code: 4637
Accessibility Commitment: Individuals requiring interpretation services or other accommodations are encouraged to contact Salem by July 30.
Shaping the Future of Route 23 🛣️
Comprehensive Study: The Route 23 corridor has long been a critical transportation artery for central Ohio. Increased traffic and safety concerns have prompted this comprehensive study, which will examine traffic patterns, accident data, and potential infrastructure improvements.
ODOT officials stress that no predetermined solutions are on the table. Instead, they are looking to the community to help identify problems and brainstorm potential fixes.
Public Participation is Key 🗣️
Invaluable Input: ODOT encourages all interested parties to attend a meeting or join an online session, regardless of their background or expertise. You don’t need to be a transportation expert to contribute; of you use Route 23 or live near it, your experiences and observations are invaluable to this process.
Ongoing Communication: As the project moves forward, ODOT plans to maintain open lines of communication with the public. Updates will be posted regularly on the project website, and additional opportunities for input may be scheduled as needed.
Alternative Feedback Methods: For those unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings, ODOT will provide alternative methods to submit feedback, including an online survey and email options.
The Route 23 Connect Study represents a significant investment in central Ohio’s transportation future. By actively seeking public engagement, ODOT aims to ensure that any improvements made truly reflect the needs and desires of the community.
