DELAWARE — The Ohio Department of Transportation is gearing up for another round of public meetings to discuss the possible U.S. Route 23/Interstate-71 connector with concerned residents.
The agency will hold meetings on August 4 at Mount Gilead High School’s gym from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., and again at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on August 6 from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
ODOT announced that it will publish a video to the project’s website on July 27, which will further update the public about the project.
“The public is encouraged to watch the video before attending the meetings,” ODOT said in a statement. “The video will provide details on the background and status of the study, the Department’s preferred alignment and next steps.”
ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning said the public comment period for the project will remain open through Sept. 1, 2026.
“ODOT will review and document all comments received, which will be included in the final feasibility study submitted to the Ohio General Assembly by October 1, 2026,” he said.
As of May 2026, ODOT has collected more than 2,000 public comments about the project. Delaware Source obtained the comments and found that residents are largely concerned about property, traffic and cost issues.
During the upcoming meetings, ODOT will present new findings required by the Ohio Legislature, including the preferred route, projected traffic benefits, tolling feasibility, construction costs, impacts to nearby communities and the environment, and improvements that may be needed on I-71.
However, ODOT is not giving a formal presentation on the project. Instead, the agency’s study team will be available throughout each meeting to answer questions.
“Right now, we continue to further refine the most feasible route,” Bruning said.
By October 1, 2026, ODOT will deliver the final Feasibility Study to the Ohio Legislature. The Feasibility Study will include the recommended preferred alignment as well as public feedback received.
“Public engagement is a vital part of this process and will be in whatever comes next after this study is submitted,” Bruning said.
