In 2025, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is rolling out an infrastructure effort worth $3.2 billion across the state—and $446 million of that is being poured directly into Central Ohio through 94 transportation projects.
We’re not just talking about road repairs. We’re talking about reshaping how people move, how cities grow, and how jobs are created.
What’s Happening on the Ground
Crews are already at work across Central Ohio. From rebuilding highways and rehabilitating bridges to improving interchanges and safety systems—this isn’t a small lift. It’s a once-in-a-decade transformation.
Here’s the scale:
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94 new projects in Central Ohio
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955 projects statewide, including 38 major ones (valued over $10M)
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Improvements to 5,538 miles of pavement and 844 bridges
It’s one of the most ambitious seasons ODOT has ever taken on—and the impact is already being felt.
So, What Does It Mean for Jobs?
1. A Serious Surge in Demand
This level of infrastructure activity means tens of thousands of construction jobs across Ohio—and Central Ohio will see a major share.
The demand touches nearly every trade:
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Equipment operators
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Civil engineers
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Masons
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Project managers
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Safety specialists
And because many projects will stretch over multiple years, this isn’t just short-term hiring—it’s long-term opportunity.
2. More Doors Opening for New Talent
The industry has been facing a labor shortage for years. Now, companies are responding in full force:
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Expanding apprenticeship programs
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Investing in faster training and onboarding
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Welcoming graduates and career-changers into the trades
For anyone looking to start fresh or move up in construction, this is the moment to do it.
3. A Lifeline for Local Contractors
For local builders, subcontractors, and suppliers, these projects are more than just busy work—they’re economic lifelines.
Steady, predictable work helps keep businesses growing. And as activity ramps up, other industries—from logistics and food service to retail—benefit too.
4. Higher Pay, Better Benefits
Competition for talent is heating up.
That means rising wages, improved benefits, and a renewed focus on worker retention.
It’s not just about filling jobs—it’s about keeping good people, and giving them room to grow.
The Bigger Picture
All this construction activity is already showing up in the data:
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Ohio’s construction sector saw a 10% boost in nominal value added last year
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Gross output rose by 12%, with more growth expected in 2025
But the real win? Better infrastructure means safer roads, smoother commutes, and stronger communities. These aren’t just numbers. They’re quality-of-life upgrades.
This Isn’t Just Construction—It’s a Catalyst
What ODOT is doing in 2025 is about more than roads and bridges. It’s about building a better, more connected future for Ohioans.
And for those working in the industry—or thinking about joining it—it’s a window of opportunity. Central Ohio is building fast. And the workforce behind it is just as vital as the concrete and steel.
At Placed, we’re proud to support that momentum.
Let’s build something meaningful—together.
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