OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Big transportation changes are on the horizon for Ocala and Marion County. The Ocala/Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) unveiled a draft of its 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) during a board meeting held May 27 at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium.

The plan outlines how more than $550 million in federal, state, and local dollars could be spent over the next five years to improve roads, transit, pedestrian safety, and even airport infrastructure — all with a goal of making it easier and safer to get around.

What’s In It for You?

Whether you drive, ride, or walk, here’s how these plans could affect your daily life:

Road Improvements

The largest chunk of the funding, almost 85%, is going toward highway and roadway projects.

This could mean wider roads, safer intersections, new traffic signals, and improved traffic flow on some of the area’s busiest roads.

Better Bus Service

Local transit systems are also getting a boost:

  • Sun Tran received three major grants
  • Marion Transit will get $3.9 million for fiscal years 2026–27

If you rely on the bus to get to work, school, or appointments, expect expanded routes or better service.

Sidewalks and Bike Paths

More than $15 million is earmarked for bike and pedestrian projects, which could mean:

  • New or improved sidewalks
  • Safer street crossings
  • Bike-friendly routes

That’s good news for families, students, and walkers throughout the community.

Airport Upgrades

There are seven aviation projects planned:

  • Three at Marion County Airport
  • Four at Ocala International Airport

These total $17.5 million and aim to improve safety and operations.

Making It Easier to Follow

The TPO grouped the 64 planned projects into five categories to help people easily look up projects by location or type. Those categories are:

  • Highway-Roadway
  • Bicycle-Pedestrian
  • Aviation
  • Transit Grants
  • Maintenance & Planning

“We reflect the improvements of what they do to improve safety, pavement and bridge conditions, system performance and then transit asset management in the safety investment,” said TPO Director Rob Balmes.

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