By 1808Delaware
By the time the ceremonial shovels struck the dirt this past week, years of collaboration had already laid the groundwork.
In a milestone for Delaware County’s infrastructure and economic future, state and local leaders broke ground on a new companion interchange along Interstate 71, just south of the existing U.S. 36/State Route 37 interchange. This major undertaking is designed to relieve one of central Ohio’s most congested areas while paving the way—literally—for the proposed Sunbury Parkway.
Building Better Connections
The first phase of the project will extend I-71 access to Wilson Road, just south of Tanger Outlets, a popular destination that already draws thousands of vehicles weekly. But the vision is much broader: the new interchange is a key piece in the eventual creation of Sunbury Parkway, a proposed east-west corridor stretching from Africa Road to Sunbury. Officials say the Parkway is vital to managing growth and unlocking the area’s economic potential.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in coordination with local entities including the Delaware County Transportation Improvement District, the City of Sunbury, Berlin and Berkshire Townships, and the Berkshire Landing New Community Authority, has laid out a 7-phase plan to complete the interchange and related improvements.
Partnerships at the Core
“This project will do more than alleviate slowdowns,” said Delaware County Commissioner Barb Lewis during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This new interchange and the added east-west connection it affords will surely spur further economic development in the area, and it would not have been possible without the partnerships on display today.”
The event brought together representatives from state agencies, township governments, private sector partners, and funding institutions—underscoring the broad coalition behind the effort.
Looking Ahead
Delaware County Engineer Chris Bauserman, who has long advocated for strategic infrastructure planning, praised both public and private collaborators for their persistence.
“It’s hard to overstate how much this project means for the growth and development of Delaware County and the central Ohio region,” Bauserman said. “Future travelers who will benefit from this project may never know of the years of hard work, coordination and persistence it took to make this possible.”
With construction now underway on the first phase, the project represents both a practical step forward in easing traffic congestion and a symbolic investment in the region’s future—where better mobility supports more jobs, homes, and opportunities for Delaware County’s fast-growing population.
As the sun set over the field near Wilson Road, the message was clear: the road to the future has officially begun.
Source, Photo: Delaware County — Pictured (left to right) are Sunbury Mayor Joe St. John, Delaware County Engineer Chris Bauserman, Delaware County Commissioner Gary Merrell, State Representative Beth Lear, ODOT District 6 Deputy Director Anthony Turowski, Delaware County Commissioner Barb Lewis and Delaware County Commissioner Jeff Benton.
