Local
Proposed 18-mile U.S. 23–I-71 route would pass near disability recreation center
Ohio transportation officials have identified a preferred route for a proposed connector through Delaware, Marion and Morrow counties, with construction costs estimated as high as $1.2 billion. Recreation Unlimited leaders say the alignment could disrupt a nearby program site; the project still needs funding and has no construction schedule.
The Ohio Department of Transportation released its final feasibility study Sept. 30 for a proposed highway linking U.S. 23 and Interstate 71, recommending an 18.2-mile route from U.S. 23 north of Waldo to I-71 south of State Route 521.
The proposed alignment would include an interchange at U.S. 42 north of Ashley and run roughly a third to a half-mile from Recreation Unlimited, a nonprofit that provides year-round recreation, sports and education programs for people with disabilities.
Paul Huttlin, the organization’s CEO, said the proximity could affect participants who rely on the site as a comfortable and supportive place. About one-third of the people served by the nonprofit have autism, he said, and some participants have sensory sensitivities that can make noise and other disruptions difficult.
The study followed stakeholder meetings in October 2025 and February and July 2026, as well as two rounds of public meetings held across Delaware, Marion and Morrow counties in March and August. ODOT collected about 3,000 comments online, by mail and in person. The agency said its review weighed potential benefits and community concerns.
ODOT estimates the highway would cost between $857 million and $1.2 billion if construction began in 2035. The range depends in part on how much work is needed on I-71. The study says the expected travel-time and safety benefits outweigh the projected costs.
By 2055, the road is projected to carry about 21,900 vehicles a day without tolls, or 8,500 vehicles a day with tolls. With an added lane in each direction on I-71, the study estimates travel between I-475 and I-270 could be six minutes shorter in free-flow conditions and 22 minutes shorter during the morning peak period.
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said the department evaluated multiple alternatives and worked with the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission to identify what it considers the most feasible alignment. State lawmakers had directed the agencies to complete the study by Oct. 1.
The study does not mean construction is approved or imminent. Moving into formal project development will require additional funding, and ODOT has not set a construction timeline.