SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, OH — For the 32,000 commuters who white-knuckle their way through the “US-23 crawl” every day, relief is finally on the horizon. Local and state officials have officially launched a multi-pronged, $78 million joint plan to eliminate the “blockage” that has turned northern Pickaway County into one of Central Ohio’s most notorious bottlenecks.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Village of South Bloomfield, ODOT District 6, and the Pickaway County Port Authority, aims to modernize the corridor to handle the explosive growth triggered by the nearby Rickenbacker logistics hub and the new “Arsenal-1” defense campus.
Phase 1: The South Bloomfield “Girdle”
The most immediate relief is coming to the heart of South Bloomfield. After years of coordination, the village is entering the final stage of a major widening project designed to “unclog” the main thoroughfare.
- The Scope: US-23 has been widened for approximately 1,800 feet through the village.
- The Features: The project adds a double left-turn lane and new, high-tech signals to prevent the mile-long backups that currently plague commuters during rush hour.
- Final Paving: While much of the underground drainage and utility work is complete, ODOT has scheduled the final top-coat paving for Spring 2026, which will officially bring the project to its “finished” smooth look.
The “Big Fix”: The $74M SR-762 Interchange
The centerpiece of the long-term plan is a massive $74 million full-access interchange at the intersection of US-23 and State Route 762 in Harrison Township.
Currently a dangerous at-grade intersection, the new interchange will allow traffic to flow freely, separating local commuters from the thousands of heavy trucks that service the Rickenbacker Intermodal Facility.
- Status: Pre-construction is underway, with a $19 million boost from the state’s Major New Capacity Program.
- Timeline: Full construction is slated for 2029–2030, but residents have already seen a roundabout and turn-lane improvements at SR-762 and Rickenbacker Parkway thanks to a $4 million federal grant secured by Congressman Dave Taylor.
Beyond the County Line: The I-73 and I-71 Connections
The “blockage” isn’t just a local problem; it’s a state priority. As of this week, two major studies are trending:
- The I-73 Resolution: Federal lawmakers recently introduced a resolution to study turning the US-23 corridor into a formal Interstate 73, connecting Toledo to the Kentucky border via Pickaway County.
- The US-23/I-71 Connector: Just north of the county line, ODOT is narrowing down five potential routes for a “free-flow” highway link between US-23 and I-71. A preferred alternative is expected to be identified by October 2026.
- A Bill in South Carolina has passed proposing naming the Interstate after President Trump
