College road construction on Monday. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor.
College Road — the road behind the Ohio Union, campus side, — will be undergoing construction until spring 2027, with updated closures, shifting pedestrian access and updated Campus Area Bus Stops stops. The sidewalks leading to Ohio Union have been affected, pushing foot traffic to different directions as well.?
The project began on June 15, according to Ohio State’s Facilities Design and Construction website. The first phase of work closed one lane of traffic on College Road between 12th Avenue and Annie and John Glenn Avenue, pushing all traffic northbound.?
Now, a week into the autumn semester, College Road will be closed going both directions between 12th Avenue and Hagerty Drive, marking the beginning of phase 2A of the project.?
Associate Director of the Office of Administration and Planning Nicole Holman said a variety of factors are considered when planning construction schedules, like schedules, other campus projects, weather, major campus events and other elements.?
“The phased approach for the College Road project helps maintain access to key destinations, the Ohio Union garages, alternate pedestrian routes and rerouted bus service, all while allowing work to proceed,” Holman said.
The CABS System has been rerouted to High Street, with students being able to track the updated routes in real time through the Ohio State app, according to Holman. Access to Ohio Union garages, both north and south, will shift based on the construction phase.?
All of the phases will lead to updated roadways, utilities and aesthetics, Holman said.?
“Roadway enhancements, including repaving and curve adjustments east of The Oval, will improve traffic flow,” Holman said. “This section will also be redesigned to complement nearby Oval materials and aesthetics, while sidewalks will be expanded to 10 feet wide to create a more comfortable pedestrian experience. Utility upgrades, including replacing waterlines and improving tunnel infrastructure, will also occur.”
During the construction, students are urged to pay attention to pedestrian walkway access, CABS stops and parking garage access.
