The 2026 Silicon Heartland Progress Report: What’s Actually Happening in New Albany?

If you drive through New Albany or western Licking County today, you aren’t just looking at a construction site—you’re looking at the largest private-sector investment in Ohio’s history.

As we move through 2026, the headlines surrounding the Intel "Ohio One" campus have evolved. While the official chip production timeline for the first fabrication building (Mod 1) has been adjusted to 2030, the physical transformation of the "Silicon Heartland" growth corridor hasn't slowed down. In fact, for local residents and real estate investors, the most impactful work is happening right now, beneath the surface and on our local roads.

Here is the 2026 ground-level progress report on the project and what it means for our community.

1. Beyond the "Shell": Construction Status

Intel has already invested over $5 billion into the Licking County site. While the 2025–2026 phase has moved at a more deliberate pace to align with global market demand, the sheer scale of the project remains staggering.

• Foundation and Structure: All major underground utility work is complete. Vertical construction is the primary focus this year, with thousands of tradespeople from nearly every Ohio county contributing to the build.

  
  

• A Massive Supplier Network: The "Intel Effect" isn't just about Intel. Over 440 Ohio-based suppliers are now active on the project. This ecosystem is creating a secondary demand for specialized warehouse space and logistics hubs throughout Newark and Heath.

  
  

2. Infrastructure: The Road to Accessibility

For homeowners, the most visible "win" of 2026 is the rapid completion of major infrastructure projects. These improvements are designed to handle the 3,000 direct jobs and thousands of support roles coming to the region, but they benefit everyone driving through the corridor today.

• SR 161 Expansion: The third lane in each direction from I-270 to US 62 is fully operational, significantly easing the "commuter pinch" that once defined this route.

  
  

• The "Silent" Improvements: ODOT is currently wrapping up the installation of eight massive noise walls along SR 161 in New Albany to preserve the quiet of nearby residential neighborhoods.

  
  

• Local Connectivity: Major widening projects on Green Chapel Road and Mink Street are nearing completion. These upgrades, including new roundabouts and community paths, are turning what were once rural "farm-to-market" roads into high-capacity tech corridors.

3. The 2030 Timeline: A Strategic Window for Buyers

The shift of production to 2030 has created a unique "strategic window" in the Central Ohio real estate market.

Early speculators have leveled off, but the underlying demand remains. Central Ohio is currently the growth engine of the state, with the Columbus metro area growing nearly 40% faster than the national average. By moving the "finish line" to 2030, the region has more time to develop the housing, schools, and retail services needed to support a permanent workforce.

4. What This Means for Your Property Value

Infrastructure leads to appreciation. Historically, when a region undergoes this level of utility and road improvement, the surrounding residential property values tend to stabilize at a higher baseline.

We are seeing a trend of "construction-phase professionals"—engineers, project managers, and high-level contractors—seeking high-quality, mid-term housing in the Silicon Heartland. This is providing a strong rental and resale floor for properties in Newark, Granville, and Johnstown.

The Bottom Line

The Silicon Heartland is no longer a "plan"—it is a permanent part of the Ohio landscape. The shift to a 2030 production start doesn't change the outcome; it simply gives our community a more sustainable pace to grow. Whether you are looking to relocate for a tech career or simply want to live in the most high-tech corridor in the Midwest, the foundation is being poured today.