TOLEDO, Ohio — The call for a more direct route from Toledo to Columbus is far from over. Local business leaders in Toledo are rallying to convince lawmakers and state officials that a proposed bypass would significantly alleviate traffic congestion and bolster economic growth, despite a recent setback from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The push for a bypass has been ongoing for years, with Toledo leaders arguing that the current plans, which focus on fixing portions of US 23, will not adequately address the growing traffic problems. According to local business advocates, such as Brian Dicken with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the proposed ODOT solution only adds more headaches for drivers. The plan would do little to relieve the congestion caused by traffic lights in communities like Delaware, Powell, and Worthington, which often delay travelers, including freight trucks.
For those who regularly make the drive between Toledo and Columbus, the traffic lights along US 23 can make for a frustrating journey. Business leaders argue that bypassing these traffic lights entirely would not only ease the daily commute but also provide a more efficient route for trucks, which are integral to the region’s economy. They contend that a bypass would provide a cleaner, faster way to move freight, reducing congestion on local roads and improving the overall flow of goods through Ohio.
Despite a report from ODOT in mid-February that effectively halted progress on the bypass proposal, Toledo’s business community remains steadfast in its advocacy. Dicken, who has been vocal in the campaign, expressed his frustration with ODOT’s decision. “I’m not sure we really felt the love from that,” he said, referring to the Valentine’s Day report that placed the bypass on hold.
However, local leaders are not backing down. They’ve turned to state legislators and government officials to continue making their case, emphasizing the economic importance of a dedicated freight corridor. Sandy Spang, a representative from the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, highlighted that a bypass could reroute traffic off US 23 onto Route 229, bypassing the first major traffic light as drivers approach Columbus. From there, the new route could lead to US 71, providing a smoother connection to central Ohio.
Advocates argue that improving traffic flow is not just a matter of convenience but also a critical economic issue. “Freight needs to have a reliable corridor to move on,” Spang said, underscoring the importance of such a route for businesses that rely on the timely delivery of goods. She also pointed out that addressing these concerns with a bypass would be more effective than continuing to make piecemeal fixes along the existing route.
The Toledo area’s push for a bypass is reminiscent of the successful battle for the US 24 “Fort to Port” project, which aimed to improve the route between Toledo and Fort Wayne. That project faced similar opposition but ultimately became a vital freight corridor, supporting economic growth in both cities. Spang believes the bypass proposal could have a similar impact. “Now that we’ve made those changes, we’re living with that, and everyone can see it’s been a great economic development driver,” she said.
The urgency surrounding the bypass proposal has increased in recent months, with the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe bridge out of Canada. As more freight is expected to enter the U.S. through this new bridge, business leaders argue that a well-designed route through the Toledo region could better accommodate this influx of goods, benefiting both local economies and the broader central Ohio area.
As the debate continues, Toledo leaders are hopeful that their message will resonate with lawmakers and the governor, who have the power to override ODOT’s current recommendations. Only time will tell whether a bypass will be in the region’s future, but for now, advocates remain committed to pushing for a solution that they believe will enhance both local infrastructure and economic opportunity.