Columbus, Ohio – Ohio transportation officials are moving forward with a major round of infrastructure planning after the Transportation Review Advisory Council approved a draft funding list that could bring more than $123 million in improvements across multiple parts of the state.
The draft plan, totaling $123.1 million, includes funding for 11 major projects spread across eight counties. These projects are divided into different categories based on how far along they are in development, with some ready for construction and others still in earlier planning stages.
Major construction projects receive largest share
A significant portion of the funding, $103.6 million, is set aside for six Tier I projects, which are expected to move into construction during the upcoming four-year period.
Among the largest investments is $35 million scheduled for fiscal year 2027 to improve the interchange and ramps at Interstate 71 and Snow Road in Brook Park, located in Cuyahoga County. This project aims to address traffic flow and safety concerns at a busy junction.
Another project in Stark County will receive $5.3 million in fiscal year 2027 for roadway enhancements along State Route 172 in Canton. In the same year, $10 million is allocated for light rail track reconstruction for the Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority, also in Cuyahoga County.
Montgomery County is set to benefit from $17.6 million in fiscal year 2027, which will go toward roadway improvements tied to the Dayton International Airport Northeast Logistics project. Officials expect this work to support economic activity and improve access to the area.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2028, Butler County will receive $27 million for the construction of a new Diverging Diamond Interchange at Interstate 75 and Millikin Road. Franklin County is also included, with $8.7 million allocated for widening and enhancing Alum Creek Drive.
Additional projects advance in development stage
In addition to construction-ready projects, the draft list includes $19.5 million for five Tier II projects, which will receive funding for further planning, environmental review, and design work.
Franklin County appears multiple times in this category, including $3 million in fiscal year 2027 for improvements at the Interstate 71 and Interstate 270 interchange on the north side of Columbus, and $1.5 million for upgrades at State Route 315 and Lane Avenue.
Other projects include $5 million for improvements at the U.S. 23 and Orange Road intersection in Delaware County, and $4 million for a new roadway alignment tied to the Bluegrass Parkway extension in Fayette County.
Clark County will receive a total of $6 million spread across fiscal years 2028 and 2029 for improvements to the interchange at Interstate 70 and Interstate 675.
Public input and next steps
The draft list comes after a competitive process, with 27 projects applying for funding during this cycle. Officials are now inviting the public to provide feedback before the final decision is made.
Residents and stakeholders can submit comments by email through April 16, 2026. The Transportation Review Advisory Council is expected to vote on the final funding list during its meeting on April 23.
How the funding system works
The Transportation Review Advisory Council, often referred to as TRAC, operates on an annual cycle to evaluate and prioritize major transportation projects. The council reviews applications and assigns funding based on project readiness and need.
Projects are grouped into three tiers. Tier I includes those ready for construction within the next four years. Tier II projects require additional development work before they can move forward. Tier III includes projects that are part of long-term plans and may already have earlier phases funded.
TRAC was established in 1997 under Ohio law to help guide how the Ohio Department of Transportation selects and funds major new capacity projects. The council consists of nine members, including appointments from the governor and legislative leaders, and is chaired by the director of ODOT.
Officials noted that funding for new construction is only provided after ensuring that existing infrastructure is properly maintained, reflecting a balance between preserving current systems and building for future needs.
With the draft plan now released, the state is entering the final phase of review before committing funds that could shape transportation across Ohio for years to come.
