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ODOT director warns of 2028 budget gap as state rolls out $11 billion transportation package
Summary
The director of the Ohio Department of Transportation said the state has a roughly $11 billion transportation package for upcoming work but warned of a projected funding shortfall in 2028 and outlined major Central Ohio projects including I‑70 investments and the Brent Spence corridor.
The director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), introduced at a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum as Pamela Bridal, described a recently signed statewide transportation package and outlined Central Ohio highway work while warning of a future funding gap.
"The governor just signed a beautiful $11,000,000,000 package for you to play with," the director said, noting ODOT must stretch resources to meet rising construction costs. She said $3.2 billion of that package is slated for the coming construction season across about 950 projects.
On I‑70 specifically, the director said there is $1,600,000,000 allocated for repairs and upgrades: "That's 400,000,000 of it's already built. There's 600,000,000 that's under construction now, and there's another $650,000,000 that's planned in the future that's not funded." She said projects include a flyover bridge that is expected to open by year end and urban caps connecting High Street, Third Street and Fourth Street.
The director warned of a projected deficit in 2028 that could reduce the department's ability to fund future work. "We see in 2028 there is going to be a deficit and that we will not have the necessary funding to meet the program," she said, adding that the department is exploring alternative funding and federal flexibility.
Panelists also discussed the Brent Spence Bridge corridor and other regional projects, including lane additions on 270 near Polaris and studies tied to Rickenbacker and U.S. 33. The director said ODOT is pursuing ways to extend pavement life, accelerate project delivery and seek more flexibility from the Federal Highway Administration to manage costs and delays.
She said ODOT is working with local governments through options like SIB (State Infrastructure Bank) loans and reserving about 10% of a budget allocation — roughly $900,000,000 — for local governments, which control 84% of roads and 67% of bridges.
Ending: The director urged continued interagency collaboration and new funding approaches to sustain state transportation needs amid rapid regional growth and construction inflation.
