Governor DeWine, ODOT Announce School Transportation Infrastructure Upgrades
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn today announced a $7.6 million investment in infrastructure and education to improve safety for K-12 students who walk or bike to school.
A total of 24 projects across 12 counties were selected to receive funding through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program. This statewide initiative helps communities build and improve transportation infrastructure around schools like sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and traffic-calming features.
“These are more than just transportation projects, they are investments in the health, safety, and future of our children,” said Governor DeWine. “These funds will help ensure more Ohio students have safe, accessible options to get to school.”
This year’s funding supports a mix of infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives. The 24 awarded projects include right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction between state fiscal years 2026 and 2028, as well as non-infrastructure activities like school travel plans, public education, and safety campaigns in fiscal year 2026.
"Walking or biking to school is a simple yet powerful way to promote healthier kids, safer neighborhoods, and more connected communities,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Safe Routes to School is a key part of ODOT’s broader commitment to active transportation, helping communities thrive by supporting safer streets and encouraging daily physical activity among our youngest citizens.”
Since its inception in 2005, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has awarded approximately $90 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts, and non-profit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation.
Photo: StanRohrer / E+ / Getty Images
City of Shelby
Install a sidewalk on Shelby Avenue from West Smiley Avenue to State Street and rapid flashing beacon on West Smiley Avenue at Post Street. This is the main crossing for school children.
FROM THE DESK OF MAYOR SCHAG
This is truly good news for the citizens of Shelby and our Shelby School System! This grant encompasses a range of essential improvements including the installation of approximately 3,300 linear feet of sidewalk on Shelby Avenue from State Street to West Smiley Avenue and the installation of a rapid flash beacon safety device at the major crossing at West Smiley and Post Street. This project will enable and encourage children to walk to school. It will also make bicycling and walking a much safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age. I want to extend my thanks to all those who were involved in the entire grant application process. It really was a team effort by so many City and School Officials. We are grateful to ODOT for recognizing the need this important project.