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Columbus Infrastructure Portfolio Moves Forward With Recent Policy and Funding Updates
The Columbus-Phenix City Metropolitan Planning Organization extended a transportation alternatives deadline this week while multiple projects advance under the $1.2 billion infrastructure plan.
How we reported this
Columbus officials continue work on a $1.2 billion infrastructure portfolio that includes transportation projects, the $200 million Judicial Center slated for late 2026 completion, and the $50 million Synovus Park upgrade.
The recent extension of the Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects deadline to March 27, 2026, by the Columbus-Phenix City Metropolitan Planning Organization gives local agencies more time to submit applications for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. This step aligns with broader efforts to update the region's Transportation Improvement Program, a four-year fiscally constrained plan that must receive approval from the C-PCMPO under federal performance goals.
Street and Interchange Projects Advance
Specific roadway work includes the $47.7 million I-185/Buena Vista Road interchange now 75 percent complete with a spring 2026 target, and the $58 million I-185/Cusseta Road interchange at 67 percent completion. The $13.5 million flood abatement project on Veterans Parkway remains under construction for an April 2026 finish, while the $5 million Williams Road/Fortson Road roundabout is scheduled to wrap up next month.
Spiderweb Phase II, budgeted at $45.8 million, stands at 22 percent complete after starting in April and is set to finish in 2027. A new $665 million regional TSPLOST approved by voters will support 46 projects, among them $25 million for Columbus Airport terminal expansion, $12.5 million for Riverwalk repaving, and $22.5 million for Steam Mill Road improvements.
Policy Changes Support Ongoing Work
The Columbus Consolidated Government Council passed amendments to its Complete Streets Policy that adopt specific engineering design guidelines and create a public committee to review roadway design transparency and safety metrics. Funding for these initiatives draws from TSPLOST 2022, LOST 2021, stormwater and paving funds, GDOT contributions, and Columbus Building Authority bonds.
Residents can review proposed work documents and submit comments through the C-PCMPO process. The next steps involve continued construction monitoring and application submissions ahead of the March 27, 2026, TAP deadline.