TRAC‘s just released, 1/31/2024, proposed 2024-2027 project list does not currently include additional funding for the Big Walnut Interchange. The list will not be finalized until TRAC's 2/28 meeting which is after the public input phase ends on 2/23. So it appears BWI will stay a tier II project but with no additional funding this year.
Here are the links:
TRAC announcement link,
https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/statewide/2024-trac-draft-list
TRAC new funding link,
Listed as Commercial but not yet zoned Commercial
Currently Delaware County Auditor Book - Market Value $223,100
Listed as Commercial but not yet zoned Commercial
Currently Delaware County Auditor Book - Market Value: $860,500
Listed as Commercial but not yet zoned Commercial
While there will be a variety of solutions discussed to improve and reduce traffic flow on RT23, the Big Walnut Interchange will be in the mix based on MORPC’s and Delaware County’s support for it. ODOT will be having a series of public meetings in-person and online for residents to voice their concerns or support. There is a link below to the ODOT site detailing the meetings times and places. If you would like to join the opposition and get involved with an organized effort, go to the JOIN THE OPPOSITION page of this website. Provide your contact information and you will receive updates on opportunities to participate. ODOT RT23 Connect link: https://publicinput.com/23Connect#2
See the plans here: https://engineer.co.delaware.oh.us/projects/big-walnut-old-3c-and-tussic-street/
Click on the VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION section to let ODOT and MORPC hear your OPINION!
Click on the VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION section to let ODOT and MORPC hear your OPINION!
The current Rt23 Connect Plan is a refocused version of the original Plan. The Big Walnut Interchange is a part of the current Rt23 Connect plan. This plan lacks the traffic relief and improved connectivity to Northwest Ohio (Toledo & Michigan) that was envisioned in the original Rt23 Connect planning. The original Rt23 Connect studies looked at 6 alternatives to improve the traffic flow on Rt23 and improve the transit between Columbus and Northwest Ohio. All of these alternatives offered a better solution than the current Rt23 Connect is proposing. The 6 alternatives are examined individually and then against each other in a summary comparison matrix that can be found at:
These plans were scrapped because of cost or landowner opposition. ODOT was left with the current proposal that cobbles together a series of piecemeal projects that barely address the current needs let alone future traffic pressure on Rt23.
Columbus is the fasting growing metropolitan area in Ohio and will soon be the largest city in the the State.
The current Rt23 Connect plan fails to address the future pressure on Rt23 or the transit connection needed to Northwest Ohio (Toledo & Michigan.) The State needs to exhibit foresightful leadership. The best cost benefit alternative in the original study needs to be resurrected and acted upon. The hundreds of millions of dollars of State funds can be better spent to provide a more future proof alternative that Central Ohio (Columbus) and Northwest Ohio (Toledo) deserve. That is what we should be demanding from our state and local officials.
Late last year Delaware County commissioned a Preliminary Engineering Study for their Big Walnut Interchange plans. The study is a “next step” forward in addressing any state or federal obstacles that currently hold up approval. Both the sate and federal agencies have certain minimum requirements on traffic improvement and accessibility that must be met for a new interchange to be built. To date, Delaware County’s plans have not met those minimums. While the 2019 Feasibility Study fell short in a number of areas, the conclusions of this new study due out sometime this year might provide a way forward for the build.