Recommended Route To Be Announced Summer 2026
A new highway is not the Answer
Per ODOT's own Route 23 Connect Study:
- All proposed concepts would substantially impact natural & cultural resources.
- There would be minimal to no benefit to the local community.
- Costs were at least three times greater than the anticipated benefits.
- None of the proposed build concepts can be reasonably implemented.
Our MISSION
& FOUNDATION
We are a united community of residents, farmers, business owners, and conservation advocates standing together against a proposed freeway in northern Delaware and southern Marion and Morrow counties. Our mission is to safeguard our land, protect our rural way of life, and ensure transparency and accountability in regional planning. Join us in supporting practical, responsible improvements to the existing US 23—not a destructive new highway.
To strengthen our advocacy, we have established a 501(c)(4) foundation. This status allows us to engage in legislative advocacy, community organizing, and legal oversight to ensure community voices are respected. Every action we take is powered by members who believe that progress should not come at the cost of our local identity.
The ODOT US 23 I-71 Connector Study
ODOT and OTIC are once again studying the feasibility of building a new highway through our community—even though the previous Route 23 Connect Study recommended against it.
This project is moving fast, and we have no time to waste. ODOT is now accepting public input and the study is projected to be completed by October 1, 2026.
Tell ODOT we want improvements to the existing US23- NOT a new highway that will tear apart our community.
Will the highway run next to your home- or right through it?
ODOT has identified five potential alignments north of Ashley for continued study. We were told no updated affected parcel list has been prepared for these newly added routes. We will continue requesting the information as the study progresses and additional detail becomes available.