The U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor, stretching through the counties of Crawford, Wyandot, Ashland, and Richland in Ohio, is more than just a thoroughfare—it’s a vibrant artery for business growth and economic development. This corridor is strategically positioned to foster the expansion and retention of industries ranging from energy and manufacturing to distribution, food, and beverage. The collaboration between these counties has crafted an environment rich with opportunity, making the corridor a prime location for investment.
Infrastructure: Ready, Set, Build
One of the most significant advantages of the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor is its robust infrastructure, specifically designed to support large-scale industrial and commercial development. The area is replete with “shovel-ready” sites, certified by SiteOhio, which assures businesses that the sites have undergone thorough evaluations to be ready for immediate development.
Richland County leads the way with 12 interchanges, while Crawford County contributes 7, and Wyandot County offers 6. This extensive network of interchanges provides seamless access to the freeway, ensuring efficient transportation and logistics operations. The corridor’s infrastructure is perfectly poised to meet the needs of businesses looking to set up or expand their operations, making it an ideal location for industries requiring significant land and transportation resources.
A Talent Pool at Your Doorstep
A key factor in the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor’s attractiveness is the availability of a skilled labor force, thanks to its proximity to numerous educational institutions. The Ohio State University campuses in Mansfield, Marion, Lima, and Wooster, along with North Central State College and its Crawford Success Center, are central to the area’s educational landscape. These institutions provide a steady pipeline of graduates equipped with the skills necessary for today’s industries.
Other notable educational institutions in the region include Ashland University, Tiffin University, and the University of Findlay. This concentration of higher education institutions ensures that businesses in the corridor have access to a well-trained and versatile workforce, capable of meeting the demands of diverse industries.
Natural Resources: Nature’s Bounty
The U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor is not only rich in human capital but also in natural resources. The area is endowed with fertile topsoil and abundant water supplies from the Sandusky and Olentangy Rivers. The relatively flat terrain further enhances the corridor’s suitability for industrial development.
Additionally, the corridor benefits from access to natural gas via the Rover Pipeline, which provides a stable and cost-effective energy source for businesses. As the region explores renewable energy options, such as Wind Vision and Solar projects, the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor is set to become a leader in sustainable industrial development.
A Strategic Location
One of the most compelling aspects of the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor is its strategic location. As a four-laned, limited-access freeway, U.S. Rt. 30 boasts a travel reliability rate of 93%, the highest in the state according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The corridor’s intersection with two major interstates, I-75 and I-71, further enhances its connectivity, providing easy access to major markets.
The corridor is also well-served by major rail lines, including CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, which offer businesses additional options for transporting goods efficiently. With the ability to reach 60% of the U.S. population within a day’s drive, the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor stands as a strategically located hub for business operations.
Cost-Effective Business Operations
Operating along the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor presents significant financial advantages for businesses. The wage differential in the region is below the national average, providing a cost-effective labor force. The area also features a displaced labor pool that is ripe for retraining, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into a motivated and adaptable workforce.
Moreover, the region’s low taxes, attractive energy costs, and affordable cost of living make it an economically viable option for businesses looking to maximize their operational efficiency. The combination of these factors makes the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor an appealing destination for businesses seeking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or access to resources.
History of U.S. Highway 30: A Legacy of Connectivity
U.S. Highway 30 (US 30) is one of the most historic and significant routes in the United States. Established in 1926, this east-west highway stretches from Astoria, Oregon, to Atlantic City, New Jersey, covering approximately 3,072 miles (4,944 km). It is one of the few coast-to-coast routes that has remained intact since its inception.
A large portion of US 30 was originally part of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway for automobiles in the United States. Established in 1913, the Lincoln Highway played a crucial role in the development of road travel across the country and served as an inspiration for the Interstate Highway System. By 1928, most of the Lincoln Highway had been incorporated into US 30, particularly from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, solidifying its place in American transportation history.
The Future of U.S. Rt. 30: A Road to Prosperity
The U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor represents a promising future for businesses looking to expand or establish operations in a region rich with resources, infrastructure, and opportunity. The collaboration among Crawford, Wyandot, Ashland, and Richland counties has created an environment that is not only conducive to business growth but also strategically positioned to connect businesses with major markets across the United States.
As industries continue to evolve, the U.S. Rt. 30 Corridor stands ready to support their growth with its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources. Whether a business is in energy, manufacturing, distribution, food, or beverage, the corridor offers a fertile ground for expansion and long-term success.
Source: Crawford Partnership; Wikipedia
