Governor DeWine, ODOT announce school transportation infrastructure upgrades

6/24/2025

Safe Routes to School program to fund projects in 12 counties

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn 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, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and traffic-calming features.

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.

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 nonprofit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation.