10/08/2026
BIG transportation news for Central Ohio!
A newly released study recommends an 18-mile highway connector between US-23 and I-71, with an estimated construction cost of $857 million to $1.2 billion.
The proposed route would connect US-23 north of Waldo to I-71 south of SR 521 and could save drivers an estimated 6 minutes in lighter traffic and up to 22 minutes during morning rush hour when traveling between the Columbus and Toledo areas.
But this is far from a done deal. Funding has not been approved, and state lawmakers would ultimately need to decide whether to move the project forward. The study's cost estimate assumes construction beginning in 2035.
Projects like this are always worth watching because major transportation investments can influence commuting patterns, development and growth throughout Central Ohio.
What do you think, would a connector like this make a difference for Central Ohio?