SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Construction could begin this summer on a $31 million project that would include adding a new Interstate 71 exit near Tanger Outlets in Delaware County. The proposal by the Ohio Department of Transportation would build that new I-71 exit south of U.S. 36/State Route 37, linking to a new road named "Sunbury Parkway." The new parkway would span 4.3 miles from Africa Road at U.S. 36 to West Cherry Street. Columbus’ online obsession with cars crashing into buildings ODOT's project site says construction would cost an estimated $31.9 million and would also aim to reduce congestion by building a combined I-71 to U.S. 36 interchange. Despite recent short-term improvements, the department said the current interchange is unable to support the growing transportation demands of the region. Possible improvements for the U.S. 36 and S.R. 37 interchange with I-71. (Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation) "According to the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission, Delaware County was the fastest growing county in Ohio from 2010 to 2021," ODOT's site said. "This continuing growth, along with anticipated increases in nationwide freight travel, will create more traffic demand on all major transportation routes in Delaware County." Left-turn crashes for a one-mile, multi-lane segment of U.S. 36 near I-71 are 17% higher than similar type roadways in Ohio, according to an ODOT report detailing the need for a new interchange. An area analysis also found that the highest occurring crash types include rear ends, left turns and sideswipes, reflecting "the significant congestion and delay experienced through the U.S. 36/S.R. 37 corridor." Governor creates group to investigate how missing persons cases are handled in Ohio ODOT has been studying the corridor since 2003, and began this project in 2012 by conducting a feasibility study to consider long-term improvements. After proposing improvements in 2016, the department forged ahead with the expectation that the eastern section of Sunbury Parkway was to be built in 2019 by others using private funds. When those committed improvements were not constructed as anticipated, ODOT decided it would advance the entire project itself and evaluate the best alignment for Sunbury Parkway. Now, the department says it's engaging Delaware County, Berkshire and Berlin townships, and the city of Sunbury, and expects construction to begin this summer with multiple phases up until 2037.