LINKUS ADVANCES CONSTRUCTION OF SHIER RINGS ROAD SHARED-USE PATH TO IMPROVE MOBILITY NETWORK IN WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
DUBLIN, Ohio – Central Ohio transportation and community leaders gathered Friday to celebrate construction of the Shier Rings Road Shared-Use Path, a LinkUS Transit-Supportive Infrastructure project designed to create safer and more convenient connections for people walking, biking, and accessing public transit.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) presented a check for $544,300 to help fund the project, which is being delivered through a partnership between Washington Township and the City of Dublin, with additional support from the Franklin County Engineer’s Office.
The new shared-use path is currently under construction along the south side of Shier Rings Road and, when completed, will close a gap in the existing path network, creating a continuous connection from Avery-Muirfield Drive to Cosgray Road. The project also includes drainage improvements and reconstruction of affected driveway aprons.
“This is what it looks like when LinkUS moves from a regional vision to improvements people can see and use in their own communities,” said COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler. “In addition to adding more transit service to the Dublin community, we are also working to create safe, convenient connections that help people get from their front door to transit and to the opportunities they rely on every day. With projects like this moving into construction across the region, Central Ohio is beginning to experience the investments voters made possible through LinkUS.”
In March 2025, the COTA Board of Trustees approved funding for 83 Transit-Supportive Infrastructure projects over the next five years that will help create the first 150 miles of sidewalks, bikeways and trails throughout COTA’s service area. These projects are designed to improve access to services while making it safer to walk and bike in our communities.
“Stronger connections between neighborhoods, cities and townships make it easier for people to access jobs, schools and essential services and much more,” said William Murdock, Executive Director for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. The Transit-Supportive Infrastructure program offers and innovative way for communities to take on projects of all sizes and build a stronger regional active transportation network. These projects are the definition of communities working together to fund shared priorities, which will make it easier to get around.”
The long-range LinkUS initiative will invest in more than 500 miles of sidewalks, bikeways and trails across its service area by 2050, systematically modernizing and expanding Central Ohio’s transportation infrastructure to help accommodate the region’s rapid population growth.
“The Shier Rings Road Shared-Use Path demonstrates what strong regional and local partnerships can accomplish,” said Chris Amorose Groomes, Mayor of the City of Dublin. “Working alongside Washington Township and our LinkUS partners allows us to make an improvement that directly benefits residents, employees, and businesses in this part of our community. Closing this gap strengthens Dublin’s path network, provides another transportation option, and improves access to the small businesses and destinations that contribute so much to our local economy.”
“This project will make it safer, easier and more convenient for people to travel through this area on foot or by bicycle,” said Washington Township Administrator Eric Richter. “A connected shared-use path gives residents another practical way to get where they need to go, whether that is to work, recreation, businesses or transit. Investments like this help reduce barriers between destinations while creating the kind of walkable, connected community our residents value.”
Construction on the Shier Rings Road Shared-Use Path began in August and is expected to continue into mid-October, weather permitting.
The Shier Rings Road project represents the third of the initial 83 LinkUS Transit-Supportive Infrastructure projects currently under construction with 2026–2030 funding commitments supported by the county sales tax expansion approved by Franklin County voters under Issue 47. Part of COTA’s sales tax is dedicated to expanding sidewalks, bikeways, and trails throughout the region.
Together, these historic investments will help create more walkable, bikeable and connected communities while making it easier for customers to reach COTA service and other destinations throughout Central Ohio.
For comprehensive project updates, design parameters and future infrastructure deployment schedules across Franklin County, visit LinkUSColumbus.com/500Miles
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