Politics
Columbus Approves $18 Million Bond for Road and Sidewalk Upgrades
The bond measure will direct $18 million toward street and lighting upgrades in seven Columbus neighborhoods, with the first visible work expected in the Linden and Weinland Park areas by fall.
How we reported this
Columbus City Council approved an $18 million general obligation bond on July 7 to fund street resurfacing, sidewalk replacement and streetlight upgrades. The measure passed with eight votes in favor and affects residents in Linden, Weinland Park, Hilltop, Franklinton, Near East Side, North Linden and Milo-Grogan.
The vote occurred during the council's annual mid-year budget adjustment session. City records show the bond draws from existing capital reserves rather than a new tax levy, with repayment scheduled over 15 years beginning in fiscal year 2028.
Timeline for visible changes
Engineering and permitting work will start in August 2026, according to the capital improvement plan released by the Department of Public Service. Construction crews are projected to begin sidewalk and lighting installations in October 2026 in Linden and Weinland Park, with Hilltop and Franklinton projects following in January 2027. Full completion across all seven neighborhoods is listed for June 2028.
Residents will encounter temporary lane closures and detours during those months. Property owners along targeted corridors will receive mailed notices 30 days before work reaches their block, the plan states.
Budget figures and local effects
The bond allocates $9.2 million to asphalt resurfacing, $5.1 million to concrete sidewalk replacement and $3.7 million to LED streetlight conversion. City budget documents list 47 lane-miles of roadway and 18 miles of sidewalk for treatment. Annual debt service is projected at $1.4 million once repayment begins.
Local advocates note that improved lighting in the designated neighborhoods could reduce evening pedestrian incidents, while smoother pavement may lower vehicle maintenance costs for commuters who travel those routes daily. No immediate change to property tax bills is expected until 2028.
The Department of Public Service will issue the first progress report to council in December 2026. Bidding for the initial contracts opens in September 2026.