By 1808Delaware
This week’s edition of “The Loop” from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) hits very close to home! Included among the stores is coverage of the recent announcement concerning US 23 as it traverses Delaware County. Stories include:
Enhancing US 23: A Road to Safer Travel
Governor Mike DeWine, alongside ODOT leaders, introduced the US 23 Connect feasibility study, targeting traffic improvements along the corridor from Columbus to Toledo. This corridor, specifically between Worthington and Waldo, currently operates at 30% over capacity, causing frequent crashes and congestion.
ODOT’s recommendations aim to widen lanes, add interchanges and overpasses, and reduce traffic signals, potentially cutting crashes by 50%. The project will unfold in phases, dependent on available funding, and public feedback will be vital in shaping the final safety solutions. Additional public meetings are scheduled for August, ensuring community voices are heard. This comprehensive plan is part of a statewide transportation needs assessment, focusing on vital routes like Columbus to Toledo and Columbus to Sandusky, with findings expected later this year.
Moving Mountains: Super Loads Journey to Intel Plant
Southern Ohio is abuzz with the movement of super loads from Adams County’s dock along the Ohio River to Licking County’s new Intel plant. The first of these enormous loads, weighing over 900,000 lbs and measuring 23 ft tall, 20 ft wide, and 280 ft long, has begun its slow journey north.
With significant public interest, ODOT urges onlookers to maintain a safe distance from the roadway to allow crews to operate safely. These super loads travel slowly and can impact traffic significantly. To keep the public informed, ODOT provides detailed route information and updates through their website and social media channels.
Celebrating Pollinators: Honda’s Commitment to Biodiversity
June marks pollinator month, celebrating the importance of bees and butterflies in our ecosystem. Joel Hunt, ODOT’s pollinator pro, joined Honda partners to discuss their collaborative efforts in pollinator habitat creation. Since 2014, ODOT, alongside energy companies, railroads, and private landowners, has dedicated land to support pollinators, resulting in over 120 habitats across Ohio by 2024.
Honda, committed to environmental stewardship, has integrated pollinator habitats along US 33 and Honda Parkway in Union County. This initiative aligns with Honda’s dedication to the UN’s biodiversity goals, showcasing responsible land management. By converting unused land into pollinator habitats, Honda and ODOT inspire communities and corporations to undertake similar conservation efforts.
Joel Hunt, driven by passion, has spearheaded these efforts at Honda’s Marysville campus, already home to 6 acres of pollinator habitat. With pollinator populations declining due to pesticide overuse and development, these initiatives are crucial. Hunt emphasizes, “No pollinators, no food,” highlighting the essential role these species play in our food supply.
Safety Reminders: Protecting ODOT Crews
Despite these positive developments, safety remains a pressing concern. An ODOT crew was recently hit on State Route 772 in Pike County when a driver ignored signs and barricades. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but this marks the 48th incident involving ODOT crews this year, close to last year’s total of 56 hits.
ODOT reiterates the importance of adhering to road signs and barricades to ensure the safety of both crews and drivers. For more updates and news, follow ODOT on social media and visit their website.
Stay Connected
For ongoing updates about these projects and more, visit ODOT’s website and follow their social media channels. Have great story ideas or feedback? Send them to [email protected].
You can view this week’s edition below.
