COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio continues to grow thanks to recent automotive innovations, and an upgrade to its automotive proving ground could put the state on the map.
East Liberty’s Transportation Research Center has worked with automakers around the world to test research. Currently, with capital budget support, preparations are underway for an expansion that will improve road safety.
What you need to know $24 million from the One-Time Strategic Investment Fund was approved in the capital budget, with an additional $1 million earmarked for a new impact laboratory for ground testing of trucks, buses, cars, electric vehicles, and self-driving vehicles. was approved in the capital budget.
The new lab’s upgraded capabilities include robotic cameras, sensors, and other technology used for collision collision scenarios.
The new lab won’t open until at least spring 2026.
$24 million was secured by Congress from the Temporary Strategic Fund and became the capital appropriation for Transportation Research Center, Inc.’s new Impact Lab. The test center has begun construction on a new 66,000 square foot impact laboratory to aid in transportation safety.
Once completed, it will be added to the transportation center’s existing impact lab to improve testing. It will conduct ground tests of trucks, buses, cars, and other self-driving vehicles. This is something Marysville state Rep. Tracy Richardson helped pave the way for by working with the Legislature to secure funding from the budget.
“Together with TRC, we are driving success here in Union and Logan County,” Richardson said. “And what the Transportation Research Institute is doing and will continue to improve is truly transforming and innovating vehicle and road safety.”
The new Impact Lab will test cars, trucks and buses using the latest technology, including cameras, sensors and other technology needed to test crash scenarios. State Representative Jay Edwards, chairman of the Finance Committee, believes that transportation continues to evolve and that Ohio’s growth depends on transformative growth in the state’s economic well-being.
“We’re sending a message to research and innovation people across the country: If you want to do business, we’re here to help,” Edwards said. “Ohio will be a great place to do business, and we stand ready to attract more talent to our state.”
Transportation Research Center, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides performance testing and helps implement new designs while experienced engineers work on the project. Test durability.
“We are looking to the future, and the solutions needed for tomorrow’s technology will require new toolsets,” said Brett Rubinek, CEO of Transportation Research Center, Inc.
“Companies from all over the world are coming here to test their equipment,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R-Ohio). “And it brings jobs and investment. It also puts Ohio on the map as one of the leaders in automation and automotive research.”
The institute won’t open until spring 2026. Currently, 500 engineers and other professionals are conducting testing around the clock at TRC’s East Liberty campus.
