Ohio’s most congested north-south corridor may finally see relief. Governor Mike DeWine has signed a new two-year state transportation budget into law, earmarking funds for a long-discussed plan: the development of a U.S. Route 23 bypass north of Columbus. The move aims to ease congestion, reduce travel times, and improve safety on a corridor that’s operating at 30% over capacity.
At the heart of the initiative is a $500,000 appropriation to fund preliminary engineering and planning work for a bypass connecting U.S. 23 to Interstate 71. That connection would divert traffic away from the jam-packed 23-mile stretch between Worthington and Waldo in southern Marion County. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission must present a detailed plan by October 1.
A Corridor in Crisis…