Dublin and Washington Township officials will break ground Friday, Sept. 18, on a shared-use path that closes a gap in the Shier Rings Road pedestrian and bike network.

The ceremony runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Washington Township Administration Building, 6200 Eiterman Road. City, township and LinkUS partners will attend, according to the city's announcement.

The project adds approximately 1,730 feet of path along the south side of Shier Rings Road between Eiterman Road and Cosgray Road. Once finished, walkers and cyclists will have a continuous route from Avery-Muirfield Drive to Cosgray Road.

"Closing this gap strengthens Dublin's path network, provides another transportation option and improves access to the small businesses and destinations that contribute so much to our local economy," Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes said in a statement.

Washington Township Administrator Eric Richter said in a statement that the path will link nearly 7,000 city and township residents to neighborhoods, parks and future transit connections.

The project grew out of resident feedback. Design began in 2022, and the Washington Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved an intergovernmental construction agreement with Dublin on Nov. 12, 2024. Trustees Kranstuber, Rozanski and Harris all voted in favor, according to township meeting minutes.

Funding comes through LinkUS, the regional mobility initiative backed by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) sales tax approved by voters in November 2024. Washington Township accepted a $544,300 COTA grant for the project on Dec. 9, 2025, according to township records. The total project cost has not been publicly disclosed.

Dublin City Council introduced ordinances in February 2026 to acquire easements from nine property owners along the route. At the March 23, 2026, council meeting, Amorose Groomes said she hoped the Shier Rings path could become the first completed LinkUS project, saying it would validate the ballot initiative, according to council minutes.

Construction was awarded to J & J Schlaegel, Inc. on May 26, 2026, according to the city's project page. Work includes drainage improvements with new storm sewer pipe, catch basins and roadside drainage features. Completion is expected by October 2026, though the city notes the schedule could change.

Residents along Shier Rings Road may see temporary lane restrictions, shoulder closures and driveway access impacts during construction. Access to nearby properties will be maintained.

The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public.