[Columbus, OH – March 14, 2025] – The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has committed over $52 million in new funding for transportation projects across the region, with a focus on enhancing safety, mobility, and connectivity in Central Ohio. The funding, approved during Thursday’s monthly commission meeting, aims to address the region’s growing infrastructure needs.
“We received approximately $160 million in funding requests for transportation projects from communities across the region,” said Tom Graham, principal planner at MORPC. “The Attributable Funding Committee worked carefully to prioritize projects that will have the most significant regional impact given our limited resources.”
MORPC’s latest investment includes seven key projects that will contribute to safer and more connected communities. Among the notable projects funded is the Southwest Regional Medical and Innovation Gateway Overpass in Grove City, which will receive $2.6 million to construct a new bridge over I-71. This project is set to improve access to key medical and innovation hubs, bolstering the city’s growing economy.
Other major projects funded include:
- East Broad Capital Trail (Columbus) – Multi-Use Path – $9.33 million
- Trabue Road at Walcutt Road (Columbus) – Intersection Improvements – $7.38 million
- Emerald Connector, New Bridge over I-270 (Dublin) – $4.5 million
- Cooke Road, Phase 2 (Franklin County) – Reconstruction (Glenmawr Avenue to Karl Road) – $9.16 million
- East Main Street Bus Rapid Transit (Columbus) – $14.4 million
- Big Walnut Trail (Columbus) – Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road – $4.73 million
These investments are part of MORPC’s biennial process of soliciting projects for federal transportation funding across its planning area, which includes counties such as Franklin, Delaware, and Licking, among others. The projects eligible for funding range from highway improvements to public transit, pedestrian facilities, bikeways, and traffic signal upgrades.
In addition to the newly funded projects, MORPC reaffirmed support for 41 previously approved initiatives, ensuring a total commitment of over $340 million for regional infrastructure improvements. This will contribute to a more integrated and multimodal transportation network that promotes walkable, bikeable neighborhoods and enhances roadway safety.
Parag Agrawal, MORPC’s Chief Mobility and Development Officer, emphasized the importance of these investments: “MORPC is working closely with Central Ohio communities to enhance our infrastructure. The $52 million commitment will help build a more connected transportation network that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
The funding for projects approved will be incorporated into the SFY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which outlines the federally, state, and locally funded projects planned for development or implementation in the next four years.
For more information on the projects funded by MORPC, including a full list of initiatives, visit MORPC Attributable Funding for Transportation.
Questions about specific projects or funding details can be directed to Thomas Graham, Principal Planner at MORPC, via email at [email protected] or by calling (614) 228-2663.
