Ohio State Route 703: The Road Less Traveled

Ohio State Route 703 is the kind of road that makes you wonder why it even exists. Stretching a mere 6.78 miles, this short highway runs through Auglaize County, Ohio, connecting the towns of Celina and St. Marys. Established in 1937, it’s a road that seems to serve no grand purpose other than to provide a scenic drive along the shores of Grand Lake St. Marys. But why should we care about this little strip of asphalt? Because it’s a perfect example of government inefficiency and the unnecessary spending that comes with it.

First off, let’s talk about the who. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for maintaining this road. They’re the ones who decided that this tiny stretch of highway needed to be a state route. But why? What’s the point of having a state route that’s less than 7 miles long? It’s not like it’s a major thoroughfare or a critical link in the state’s transportation network. It’s just a road that runs along a lake, mostly used by locals and the occasional tourist.

Now, the what. Ohio State Route 703 is a two-lane highway that offers a pleasant drive with views of Grand Lake St. Marys. It’s not a bad road by any means, but it’s certainly not a vital one. It doesn’t connect any major cities or serve as a crucial transportation corridor. It’s just there, existing for the sake of existing. And that’s the problem. It’s a road that doesn’t need to be a state route, yet it is, and that means taxpayer money is being spent to maintain it.

When was this road established? Back in 1937, during a time when the country was still recovering from the Great Depression. You’d think that during such a time, the government would be more careful with its spending. But no, they decided to designate this short stretch of road as a state route. It’s a decision that has persisted for over 80 years, despite the fact that the road serves no significant purpose.

Where is this road located? In Auglaize County, Ohio, running between the towns of Celina and St. Marys. It’s a rural area, not exactly a bustling metropolis. The road runs along the northern shore of Grand Lake St. Marys, offering a scenic drive for those who happen to be in the area. But again, it’s not a road that’s heavily trafficked or essential to the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Finally, the why. Why does this road exist as a state route? The answer is simple: government inefficiency. It’s a classic example of how the government can waste money on things that don’t matter. Instead of focusing on roads that actually need maintenance and improvement, they’re spending money on a road that’s less than 7 miles long and serves no significant purpose. It’s a waste of taxpayer dollars, plain and simple.

Ohio State Route 703 is a road that shouldn’t be a state route. It’s a road that exists for the sake of existing, maintained by a government that doesn’t know how to prioritize its spending. It’s a road that serves as a reminder of the inefficiencies and waste that plague our government. So the next time you find yourself driving along this scenic stretch of highway, remember that it’s a road that shouldn’t even be there. It’s a road that’s costing you money, and for what? A nice view of a lake? It’s time to rethink how we spend our money and focus on what really matters.