By 1808Delaware
Ohio Department of Transportation is inviting the public to review and comment on early concepts for a proposed freeway connection between U.S. 23 and Interstate 71 as part of its ongoing U.S. 23 / I-71 Connector Feasibility Study.
One of several open houses across the region will take place in Delaware on Thursday, March 5 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
When and where
- Date: Thursday, March 5
- Location: Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Avenue
- Times (drop-in format): 12:00 PM–2:00 PM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Format: Open house; no formal presentation time
Residents may arrive at any time during either session to review displays, speak with project staff, and submit comments.
Additional open houses will be held in Marengo on March 10, and in Marion on March 12.
What the study is examining
The feasibility study is exploring potential alignments for a new limited-access freeway connection between:
- U.S. 23 north of Waldo, and
- I-71 between U.S. 36/SR 37 and SR 229
The project area includes portions of Delaware, Marion, and Morrow counties. This phase of the study, often referred to as Phase 2, is focused on evaluating options within a narrowed “focus area” identified during earlier planning work. Completion of the feasibility study is targeted for October 1, 2026.
ODOT is using these open houses to gather community input before any recommendations are finalized.
How to review materials and submit comments
Study materials will be posted online on February 26 on ODOT’s Public Input site:
https://publicinput.com/23-71study
At that site, visitors can find:
- Project description and timeline
- Focus area maps and information sheets
- Phase 1 planning study “Interim Report”
- Updates, meeting details, and comment forms
Comments may be submitted:
- In person at the March 5 open house
- Through the online comment form on the PublicInput site
- By email to 23-71study@dot.ohio.gov
- By phone at (740) 833-8268 (ODOT District 6)
Related Route 23 corridor work
ODOT is also conducting a broader review of transportation needs along the U.S. 23 corridor between I-270 and Waldo. Materials for that effort can be found at:
For residents of Delaware County, this is the first close look at how a potential new freeway link could affect traffic patterns, growth, and development north of Columbus. ODOT officials encourage anyone with an interest in the corridor to stop by, review the maps, and share feedback.
