The City of Hilliard has received an additional $3 million to build a standalone pedestrian bridge at Hilliard’s busiest intersection, the I-270 overpass at Cemetery Road. The bridge will be completed as early as 2027.
City of Hilliard officials have been working on this project for several years now. This week, Governor Mike DeWine’s office announced the City would receive $3 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Highway safety Improvement Program. Hilliard was awarded more than $7 million from MORPC Attributable Funds for the project earlier this year, meaning the City will only have to contribute 13 percent of the total costs of this $11.5 million project.
“This is a hugely transformative project for Hilliard,” said Letty Schamp, City of Hilliard Transportation and Mobility Director. “It’s not just about recreation, but providing safe access for all people, especially for those that do not own a car or do not want to have to use a car to get around. This also has potential to transform Cemetery Road and Mill Run from a development standpoint and greatly improve connectivity throughout Hilliard’s I-270 corridor.”
Design and Timeline
Last year, the City surveyed residents on which design they preferred. The chosen alternative was safe and user-friendly for pedestrians:
- The multi-use path will be on a separate bridge on the south side of Cemetery Road, which will not impact automobile traffic or any future ODOT improvements.
- The pedestrian bridge will eliminate all free-flow ramp crossings for path users. There will be only one ramp crossing at a signalized intersection.
- It will result in fewer conflicts between vehicles and path users.
With funding now approved, City staff and ODOT will move forward with the design stage in 2024. In the following years, more prep work will begin with right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation. Construction is expected in 2026 and 2027.
The pedestrian bridge over I-270 will be a huge asset to our community and aligns with the City’s long-range plan to improve the environment, promote alternate forms of transportation, support local business, and connect our community to Central Ohio’s multi-use path system.
