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Columbus Secures $1.2 Billion for Transportation and Water Projects

Voter-approved sales taxes and state policies created the funding base that now supports dozens of active transportation and water projects across the city.

By Columbus News Desk · Published July 24, 2026

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Columbus Secures $1.2 Billion for Transportation and Water Projects — Photo by MTAPhotos / flickr (by)

Columbus has assembled a $1.2 billion portfolio of active infrastructure work that includes transportation upgrades, a new judicial center and stormwater improvements.

The scale traces directly to two local sales-tax measures and a federal policy change. The 2022 TSPLOST referendum produced a $665 million regional program that funds 46 separate projects, while the 2021 LOST measure added ongoing revenue for paving and stormwater. Those local dollars were later supplemented by the Georgia Stormwater Management Act, which gave the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers new authority and secured a $3.12 million appropriation for the South Columbus Water Resources facility.

Projects now under way

Specific work includes the $47.7 million I-185/Buena Vista Road interchange, reported at 75 percent complete with a spring 2026 finish date, and the $58 million I-185/Cusseta Road interchange at 67 percent. On Veterans Parkway the $13.5 million 19th Street flood-abatement system is in construction for an April 2026 completion. The $5 million Williams Road/Fortson Road roundabout and the $50 million Synovus Park upgrade are also listed among current efforts.

The same TSPLOST package allocates $25 million for Columbus Airport terminal expansion, $12.5 million for Riverwalk repaving and $22.5 million for Steam Mill Road improvements. Spiderweb Phase II, budgeted at $45.8 million, began in April and is 22 percent complete with a 2027 target and a planned 24-month intersection closure.

Next steps for residents

City council recently amended the Complete Streets Policy to adopt engineering guidelines and create a public oversight committee that will publish safety and accessibility metrics. Residents can track project status and upcoming work on corridors such as 8th Street, Buena Vista Road and Morris Road through that committee and the Columbus Consolidated Government website.

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