Council approves partnership with Downtown Columbus Inc. to build two-mile pedestrian-and-bike Capital Line loop

Columbus City Council approved a contract with Downtown Columbus Inc. on Feb. 5 to design and construct phase 1 of the Capital Line, a roughly two-mile pedestrian-and-bicycle pathway intended to link parks, cultural sites and downtown neighborhoods.

The contract (Ordinance 0141-2025) authorizes the Department of Public Service to enter an agreement with Downtown Columbus Inc. for design and construction services and waives competitive-bidding requirements for the work. Council member Lourdes Barosa de Padilla, who chairs the Public Service and Transportation Committee, presented the ordinance and asked Amy Taylor, president of Downtown Columbus Inc., to brief the council on the project.

Why it matters: The Capital Line is presented as an intentional route connecting attractions such as the Scioto Peninsula, Columbus Commons and other downtown amenities. The first phase will focus on Gay Street between Fourth and Front streets and is intended to improve walkability and bicycle access while encouraging economic activity along the corridor.

Project details and schedule

Amy Taylor said the project team is in the design phase and that phase 1 will rebuild Gay Street from Fourth Street to Front Street "property line to property line," narrowing vehicular lanes but retaining vehicular access and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists. She told council the city and DCI plan to begin utility work in the third quarter of 2025 and road construction in the fourth quarter, with phase 1 expected to take about 12 months to open.

"We're in the middle of design. We look to begin construction on the utility work in third quarter and then construction on the road work in fourth quarter, and it's about a 12 month cycle to get the phase 1 open," Taylor said. She said the project team will design phase 2 while constructing phase 1 so sections can open as they are completed.

Public engagement and context

Barosa de Padilla said the project arose from a 2022 strategic plan and that public meetings have been held during design. Taylor said there have been two public meetings to date, with at least one more planned before final city review. The corridor includes older, human-scale architecture and active ground-floor businesses; Taylor and Barosa de Padilla said that making Gay Street more pedestrian-forward should support existing residential density and new retail.

Council action

Council approved Ordinance 0141-2025 authorizing the contract with Downtown Columbus Inc. The clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed. The ordinance waives competitive bidding for the contract and authorizes appropriation and expenditure as needed for the phase 1 work.

Ending

Project proponents said the Capital Line will "connect amenities, green spaces, job centers and residential neighborhoods" and that the city will provide updates as design and construction progress. Public meetings and plan materials will be available on downtowncolumbus.org and the city's project pages.