A $544,300 shared-use path along Shier Rings Road will close a gap in Dublin's bike and pedestrian network when construction begins Aug. 17, but drivers should expect lane restrictions and driveway disruptions through October.
The new path will run along the south side of Shier Rings Road, connecting the existing trail at Avery-Muirfield Drive to Cosgray Road. Once finished, walkers and cyclists will have a continuous route along the full corridor for the first time.
The City of Dublin and Washington Township are jointly managing the project, which is funded through LinkUS, the regional transportation initiative administered by the Central Ohio Transit Authority. COTA's Board of Trustees approved $29.9 million in LinkUS funding for 37 projects in September 2025, explicitly naming the Shier Rings path as one of the recipients.
Washington Township Administrator Eric Richter told the township's Board of Trustees at its April 8, 2025, meeting that all grant application materials had been submitted by the deadline and that funds were anticipated in 2026 if approved.
When COTA's board approved the funding package on Sept. 25, 2025, COTA President and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler said the investments "will create safer and more connected communities, and this funding is COTA's next crucial step to making the plan a reality."
What drivers need to know
Construction may cause temporary lane restrictions, shoulder closures and driveway access impacts along Shier Rings Road, according to the city's construction update page. Access to nearby properties will be maintained throughout the work. The city advises drivers to use caution in the work zone, watch for crews and equipment, and allow extra travel time.
The project also includes drainage improvements: new storm sewer pipe, structures and roadside drainage features to manage runoff. Impacted driveway aprons will be reconstructed.
The contractor and timeline
The city awarded the construction contract to J & J Schlaegel, Inc., an Urbana-based road and bridge contractor with 39 years in business, on May 26. Work is expected to wrap up in October 2026, though the schedule is subject to change.
The project was included in Dublin's 2022–2026 capital improvement program. Residents with questions can contact Robyn Gray, the city's senior public information officer, at [email protected].
