A Proposed Highway Could Run Through Delaware County's Farmland: What to Know
ODOT submitted its feasibility study for a proposed 18-mile connector between US 23 and I-71 to the Ohio Legislature, a project estimated to cost $857 million to $1.2 billion and running through generational farmland in three counties.
If you own property anywhere near the potential route for this connector, or you're considering a purchase in that corridor, this is genuinely worth understanding before you make a decision either way. Here's what's actually been confirmed so far, sourced directly from ABC6 On Your Side's coverage.
What Is This Proposed Highway Actually Connecting?
A new 18-mile connector between US 23 and I-71, running through parts of Morrow, Marion, and Delaware counties. On October 1, 2026, the Ohio Department of Transportation submitted the findings of its feasibility study on the route to the Ohio Legislature, marking a genuine step forward for the project, though not an approval to begin construction. The proposed route would cut through what ABC6 describes as thousands of acres of mostly generational farmland, land that's often been in the same families for multiple generations.
Community reaction has been visible and organized. Signs reading "No US 23 Bypass" and "Farms Not Freeways" have appeared across communities located in the potential path, reflecting genuine local pushback against the project as currently proposed.
How Much Would This Highway Actually Cost?
ODOT estimates the project would cost between $857 million and $1.2 billion if construction were to begin in 2035, with the final figure depending on the specific improvements needed along I-71 itself. That's a genuinely significant public investment, and it's part of why residents along the potential route are questioning whether the project is actually worth the cost. One neighbor told ABC6 directly that spending billions of taxpayer dollars on what they view as a redundant project running through their community "does not make sense."
ODOT's own report reached a different conclusion, stating that the project's expected benefits, including improved safety and shorter travel times, would outweigh the estimated cost. That disagreement between the agency's cost-benefit framing and residents' lived concerns is likely to remain a central tension as the project moves through further review.
What Are Property Owners Along the Route Actually Worried About?
Primarily property value and the practical disruption to working farmland. Bob Leone, who has lived along Kilbourne Road for more than 40 years, told ABC6 he's less concerned about whether progress happens and more concerned about what a highway running close to his property could do to its value, specifically the possibility of a buyer discounting the property because of proximity to a highway that didn't exist when he originally bought. Other residents raised a more immediate, practical concern: how a working farm is supposed to function if a new road physically divides a single property in two, making it difficult or impossible to move equipment like a combine between the two halves.
These are genuinely reasonable concerns for anyone currently farming or owning land in the potential corridor, and they're worth factoring into any near-term decision about property in these three counties, whether you're buying, selling, or simply holding.
What Actually Happens Next?
Before any construction could begin, ODOT says funding for the project would need to be identified, and the project would still need to move through several regulatory hurdles. Neither of those steps is guaranteed or has a confirmed timeline, which means this remains a genuinely uncertain, multi-year process rather than an imminent change. If the project does move forward on ODOT's stated timeline, construction wouldn't begin before 2035 at the earliest.
For anyone with property interests in Morrow, Marion, or Delaware counties near the potential route, staying informed through ODOT's public updates and local coverage is worth doing over the coming months, since funding decisions and regulatory progress will determine whether this becomes a real construction timeline or remains a long-term proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has construction on the US 23 to I-71 connector actually been approved?
No. ODOT submitted its feasibility study findings to the Ohio Legislature on October 1, 2026, but funding still needs to be identified and the project faces several regulatory hurdles before construction could begin.
How much would the proposed highway cost?
ODOT estimates the project would cost between $857 million and $1.2 billion if construction began in 2035, with the exact figure depending on the specific improvements needed along I-71.
Which counties would the proposed highway run through?
The 18-mile connector would run through parts of Morrow, Marion, and Delaware counties, cutting through what ABC6 describes as thousands of acres of mostly generational farmland.
Why are property owners along the route concerned?
Residents have raised concerns about reduced property values from proximity to a new highway, and about the practical difficulty of farming land that's been physically divided by a new road.
When could construction on this highway actually begin?
If the project moves forward, ODOT's estimate assumes a construction start no earlier than 2035, and funding still needs to be identified before that timeline becomes realistic.
If you own property in this corridor or are weighing a purchase near the potential route, I'm always happy to talk through what this specific proposal might mean for your situation.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Facts in this post are sourced from ABC6 On Your Side's October 1, 2026 reporting, linked above. All real estate services are provided in compliance with Fair Housing laws, RESPA, TCPA, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and Ohio Real Estate Commission advertising regulations. Equal Housing Opportunity. Chrisi Hagan, Collins Lassiter Group, Red 1 Realty.
