OHIO, USA — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced Monday recommendations aimed to improve safety and traffic flow on U.S. 23, a route that sees heavy traffic from Toledo to Columbus.
The state said the 23-mile stretch from Worthington to Waldo in central Ohio exceeds the road's capacity by 30%. That in turn causes regular traffic crashes and "significant" traffic congestion that has resulted in the deaths of nine people and serious injuries to 72 people between 2020 and 2024.
"This small stretch of U.S. 23 is a vital corridor for freight, and those living and working in this area depend on it - but this road is not on par with the other routes that connect our major cities and even some of our mid-sized communities," said DeWine.
According to the state, the average rush-hour commute is 40 minutes, but ODOT estimates the commute will increase to 75 minutes by 2050.
Divided into seven sections, ODOT's U.S. 23 Connect road construction recommendations would eliminate nearly all of the 39 traffic lights along the corridor and bring the total number of signals to seven or fewer, the state said.
ODOT's proposal would also widen lanes, add multiple interchanges and include the construction of overpasses aimed to ease rush-hour travel time to less than 30 minutes.
ODOT estimates that these upgrades would reduce traffic crashes by 50%, which would equate to the prevention of approximately 250 crashes.
DeWine said he asked ODOT to evaluate road construction opens for U.S. 23 as part of an ongoing statewide Strategic Transportation and Development Analysis. This initiative is "assessing the needs of Ohio's entire transportation network with respect to the state's growing population and increasing economic development success."
The state said this study is expected to be complete by the end of the year and will include the "consideration" of more direct freeway options between Toledo and Columbus.
"These recommendations along U.S. 23 from Worthington to Waldo will improve safety and congestion for residents in these communities as well as those who commute through this area," DeWine said. "No matter what strategy the statewide study recommends on how to build a freeway between Toledo and Columbus, these U.S. 23 improvements must happen regardless.”
ODOT estimates a cost of approximately $1.4 to $1.9 billion to fund the proposed roadwork on U.S. 23. The state said the projects would be completed on a "rolling basis."
The state said the recommendations for U.S. 23 were developed through a series of public meetings between ODOT and local stakeholders, including the public, local government, school districts, businesses and first responders.
“Northwest Ohio has spoken with one voice on the need for an efficient connection to Columbus for people and freight," Sandy Spang, executive director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments said. "With improvements to the existing Route 23, Governor DeWine is taking a positive first step toward a comprehensive plan that will support Ohio’s future economic vitality."
The state expressed Monday that ODOT's recommendations for U.S. 23 are not final plans and it plans to present more details on the options during five future public meetings.
The first public meeting is scheduled for Aug. 6 at a time and place to be announced by ODOT that will be advertised on Facebook and X several weeks in advance.
Those interested in the meetings can also sign up at this link to receive emails or can call ODOT at 740-833-8268 for more information.