Special to 1808Delaware, From ODOT:
Route 23 Connect is a corridor study by the Ohio Department of Transportation to determine the feasibility of creating a free-flow connection between Toledo and Columbus. Currently, this corridor experiences congestion, unpredictable travel times, and high crash rates.
This study will evaluate multiple large scale improvements to the U.S. Route 23 corridor between Waldo in Marion County and Interstate 270 in Franklin County including an upgrade of the existing alignment, and a combination of the existing alignment and new connections to U.S. 33 or I-71. These alignments are conceptual only, no detailed alignments have been identified yet.
These alternatives will be compared on a variety of metrics, including travel time benefits, safety, impacts, and cost.
A brief update on the Route 23 Connect Study:
We understand that a local grassroots campaign recently announced that ODOT had recommended to advance the C1 concept only. In an effort to remain transparent and address any misinformation, we want to make it clear that the announcement did not come from ODOT and is not accurate.
The document referenced in the announcement was a working draft of the feasibility study prepared by our consultant, ms consultants. Though the draft document prematurely included a conclusion, it’s important to note that the document is incomplete. It was prepared prior to completion of the current round of public meetings and does not consider all of the important feedback received during this round.
Most importantly, we want you to know that your feedback is valued. While we have received thousands of comments thus far, there’s still time to submit your thoughts. All comments carry equal weight, whether submitted in writing or verbally, and whether submitted early in the comment period or on the last day.
The team is still gathering information and conducting a technical review of the metrics shared at the public meetings. We expect there to be multiple versions of the draft feasibility study before a recommendation is finalized following additional public engagement. Again, the preliminary feasibility study is not a final decision, and all other concepts are still being considered.
The comment period remains open through February 28.
For additional study information, please visit: https://publicinput.com/23connect.
