PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A long-awaited safety and infrastructure upgrade is on the horizon for one of Pickaway County’s busiest corridors. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced plans to construct a full-access interchange at the intersection of U.S. Route 23 and State Route 762, a project aimed at improving safety, easing congestion, and supporting continued economic growth near Rickenbacker International Airport.
The project, estimated to cost $74 million, is currently in development, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029–2030, depending on funding.
The U.S. 23/SR 762 intersection serves as a vital link to the Rickenbacker Intermodal Facility, a major freight hub, and the surrounding industrial and commercial centers that have fueled Pickaway County’s rapid growth. More than 30,000 vehicles travel through the intersection daily, creating safety concerns and frequent congestion.
State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), who advocated for the project at the Statehouse, said the improvement is crucial for the region’s future.
“Pickaway County has seen significant growth in the past decade, including numerous development projects in the area,” Stewart said. “As traffic continues to increase around the Rickenbacker International Airport, we need to make sure we have the infrastructure to support the area’s current and future needs and keep traffic commutes manageable for our residents.”
The project was included on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s 2019 list of priority improvements and was identified by ODOT District 6 as essential for managing existing and future development along SR 762.
Funding for the project received a boost in 2023, when the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) approved $19 million to support planning and early construction phases through ODOT’s Major New Capacity Program.
ODOT has completed traffic studies and environmental reviews, and several design alternatives are being considered before final construction plans are approved.
When complete, officials say the interchange will reduce commute times, enhance freight movement, and provide safer travel for residents and businesses in one of Central Ohio’s fastest-growing regions.
