Central Ohio Communities Would Benefit from More than 150 Miles of New Pathways as Part of LinkUS Initiative
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and LinkUS partners – including the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), City of Columbus, Franklin County, and other community leaders – today unveiled recommendations for more than 80 projects aimed at creating more than 150 miles of new sidewalks, bikeways, and trails across the region within the first five years of implementation. The proposed projects are part of the plans to expand transit and create more walkable communities in the region, which will be supported by a COTA levy on the ballot this November.
LinkUS is a collaborative transportation and growth plan developed with the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, MORPC, and the Columbus Partnership. This plan will not only expand COTA transit services but also make historic investments in sidewalks, bikeways, and trails throughout the region. The goal is to create more walkable, connected communities and increase opportunities for all residents.
“These investments will change everyone's daily life for the better. Adding 150 miles of new sidewalks and trails is a major investment in enhancing mobility, sustainability, and safety. And it's been a community-driven process, with more than 40 communities working together to identify these priority projects. They've prioritized the best projects to help their communities, connect people to transit, jobs, services, and each other, and strengthen neighborhoods. As Central Ohio grows bigger, this is how we can grow better at the same time."
Today’s event highlighted dozens of prime examples of Transit-Supportive Infrastructure (TSI). TSI encompasses everything between residents’ doors and their transit options, including more sidewalks, better trails, and safer crossings to expand access and connections.
One example near today’s event, the Big Walnut Trail extension, would connect Gahanna’s Creekside district, parks and community centers, to Tech Center Drive and Hamilton Road. Currently, the trail ends at Rocky Fork Drive and Morrison Road. This extension will enable users to safely cross I-270 and Hamilton Road.
"Accessibility to trails that enhance mobility and opportunities to connect has been identified by our residents as a priority. The Big Walnut Trail, which is the major trail corridor through our city, has been in development for more than 15 years, with a final section remaining to be constructed. As a priority project identified by LinkUS for funding, this initiative would help to provide valuable funds to complete this corridor, creating a continuous trail that fully links Gahanna with our neighboring communities to the north, and to the south.”"
This program will provide an average of $50 million annually for projects to build new and improve existing pathways and marked crossings. This investment represents the largest commitment to the region’s active transportation network in history.
"Central Ohio's prosperity relies on better connecting our residents to job opportunities and essential services. A robust network of sidewalks, trails, and bike paths will help people in every part of COTA’s service area better connect to a world-class rapid transit system that is also part of the LinkUS initiative. The result is a region with safer, equitable transit options, and is walkable, bikeable and accessible for everyone.”
Last week, MORPC hosted a meeting of the Transit-Supportive Infrastructure Leadership Committee, which reviewed project recommendations from various jurisdictions. These 83 projects are located within the COTA service areas and are dependent on the passage of a COTA levy on the November ballot.
"Reliable, affordable, and consistent transportation is vital for our community's livelihood. LinkUS will make it easier for residents to access jobs, housing, healthcare, and recreation, supporting more affordable transportation and housing options."
Central Ohio is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, expected to reach 3.15 million residents by 2050. To address this growth, COTA is modernizing and expanding the transportation system through LinkUS.
Today’s event underscored the critical need for LinkUS as Central Ohio continues to grow. Regional leaders emphasized that addressing growth, affordability, and opportunity gaps have become increasingly important. LinkUS aims to drive sustainable growth patterns close to transit, protect open space and farmland, and limit traffic impacts for residents.
The leadership behind LinkUS, including the City of Columbus, COTA, Franklin County, and MORPC, reiterated their commitment to creating a premium transit system. Rapid Transit features such as dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms, and enhanced stations are all part of the vision for a modernized transportation network.
Central Ohio residents are encouraged to provide input on the 83 proposed projects representing more than 150 miles of new sidewalks, bikeways, and trails during the public comment period from July 25 to August 23.
Residents can view an interactive map displaying the proposed projects and comment directly on the map at https://morpc.org/moresidewalks. All comments must be submitted directly on the interactive map, by e-mail to tsi@morpc.org or in writing to Shelby Oldroyd, Re: Transit-Supportive Infrastructure, 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215. The deadline to submit feedback is by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024.
To learn more about LinkUS, visit Home – LinkUS Columbus.
