 | As you may have seen, Governor Mike DeWine yesterday announced recommendations for improvements to U.S. 23 in Delaware County. These improvements are designed to improve safety and traffic flow in the Delaware area - a critical part of the two-pronged solution that we have been advocating to be implemented. That two-pronged solution is 1) address the degradation that has been allowed to happen that has impeded the flow of traffic and 2) establish a free-flow connection between northwest and central Ohio. A copy of the recommendations is here. These recommendations will be subject to public comment and modifications to this plan may take place. Even with the proposed changes, there will likely be seven traffic lights on U.S. 23. While this is better - Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Dayton, and Cincinnati have a combined zero traffic lights as part of their connection. |
This is a good first-step, however we must continue to maintain our collective voice for a true free-flow connection to central Ohio.
The establishment of this connection will benefit the flow of commerce and tourism between our regions and beyond by making the route safer, more predictable, and more efficient. The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in the fall of 2025 is expected to have a significant impact on the flow of traffic from Canada into the United States, and specifically Ohio.
It is also important to remember that the recommendations announced yesterday were developed from ODOT's 23 Connect study. Additional work is being done through the statewide Strategic Transportation and Development Analysis (STDA). The STDA, by law, is required to be completed by December and include actionable recommendations to support Ohio's population growth and economic development opportunities. This statewide study will include the consideration of a more direct freeway connection between Columbus and Toledo.
We appreciate the support that we have received from our state legislators and Governor DeWine to make this a priority. However, it is important that we continue to communicate with our legislators and the Governor to stress the importance of not just considering a solution but identifying and implementing a solution that promotes long-term economic success for our region and state.
The progress that has been made is only possible through our unified voice and effort. If you have any questions, or would like to become more involved with our advocacy work on this important economic development issue, please reach out to:
Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
[email protected]
Direct: 567.420.1227
Mobile: 567.395.3416
It is also important to remember that the recommendations announced yesterday were developed from ODOT's 23 Connect study. Additional work is being done through the statewide Strategic Transportation and Development Analysis (STDA). The STDA, by law, is required to be completed by December and include actionable recommendations to support Ohio's population growth and economic development opportunities. This statewide study will include the consideration of a more direct freeway connection between Columbus and Toledo.
We appreciate the support that we have received from our state legislators and Governor DeWine to make this a priority. However, it is important that we continue to communicate with our legislators and the Governor to stress the importance of not just considering a solution but identifying and implementing a solution that promotes long-term economic success for our region and state.
The progress that has been made is only possible through our unified voice and effort. If you have any questions, or would like to become more involved with our advocacy work on this important economic development issue, please reach out to:
Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
[email protected]
Direct: 567.420.1227
Mobile: 567.395.3416
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