NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS….at least for the time being!
The fact that BWI hasn’t made news since MORPC’s March request for public input is encouraging. However, it’s not unexpected considering the focus Gov. DeWine and ODOT have placed on a costly Rt 23 make over. MORPC’s stated BWI build timeline is now 2030 – 2040 and TRAC’s 2025-2027 funding approvals show no funding for BWI. So, unless new money is made available the next push for BWI’s creation will come during TRAC’s next two three-year planning cycles which will be announce in the first quarter of 2025 and 2024.
Regardless of the current targeted timelines the pressure for the interchange won’t stop. Delaware County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan calls for expansive growth throughout the county but with an emphasis in the south and east of the county. To the right is an out-take from the study. While BWI is not directly referenced it is certainly implied. If you would like to see Delaware’s full plan you can find it at: (https://economicdevelopment.co.delaware.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/23-12-04-Delaware-County-Economic-Development-Strategic-Plan.pdf)
Except from Delaware County’s Economic Development Plan
MORPC is asking for community input on their 2024-2050 project plans. The Big Walnut Interchange is one of those plans. MORPC IS taking comments through 3/29/2024.
Adjacent 5+ acres - $1.2 m
This is currently zoned as 511 Single family Dwlg Unplat but listed as Commercial
Currently Delaware County Auditor Book - Market Value $223,100
Listed as Commercial but not yet zoned Commercial
30+ Acres - $5.2 m
This is currently zoned as 101 Cash - grain or general farm but listed as Commercial
Currently Delaware County Auditor Book - Market Value: $860,500
Listed as Commercial but not yet zoned Commercial
plans for Big Walnut east of Rt3 - prep for 4 lanes?
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
Proposed Big Walnut & Tussic Intersection
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
See the plans here: https://engineer.co.delaware.oh.us/projects/big-walnut-old-3c-and-tussic-street/
Tussic & Big Walnut looking back at 3C
Proposed Big Walnut & Old 3C Intersection
Tussic & Big Walnut looking back at 3C
News
The Big Walnut Interchange is part of the Rt.23 Connect refocused plan. **************************** See the news section below for detail.
Click on the VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION section to let ODOT and MORPC hear your OPINION!
News
Rt23 Connect refocused but Fails vs Goals of the Original Rt23 Plan
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.
News
New Engineering Study
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.