FULL STORY: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/boomtown-ohio/odot-new-i-71-interchange-ease-traffic-delaware-county/530-3a54f63b-49fa-444a-ab22-a420c63329f4 Drivers familiar with the backups along Interstate 71 in Delaware County may soon see relief as the Ohio Department of Transportation has officially broken ground on a major new interchange project. The $32 million project aims to reduce congestion near the U.S. Route 36/state Route 37 interchange by building a new exit about one mile to the south. The new ramp system will connect directly to South Wilson Road and eventually link to the future Sunbury Parkway. ODOT officials said the project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow in a rapidly growing part of central Ohio. “We will build a new bridge, a new set of ramps and build new roadway to connect Wilson Road behind the Tanger outlet mall,” said Toni Turowski, ODOT District 6 deputy director. Many local residents are familiar with the daily backups along the corridor. “Hitting [Interstate] 71 North in the mornings between 7 and 8:30 — it can take you a little while,” said Steve Pinkston, who lives nearby. The new roadway, Sunbury Parkway, is intended to not only ease congestion but also open the door to future economic development in the region. “It addresses long-standing congestion, road safety and, perhaps most importantly, unlocks significant economic development potential in this region,” said Delaware County Engineer Chris Bauserman.