Lightpath to build 392-mile underground fiber route linking Columbus, Chicago

(UI) — Lightpath plans to construct a nearly 392-mile underground fiber route connecting Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago, marking the company’s first organically developed long-haul network build.

The project includes approximately 327 miles of new underground multi-conduit fiber infrastructure spanning three states. Construction will be completed in phases, with the full route expected online by the end of 2028.

The corridor is designed to connect two rapidly growing data center markets and will incorporate eight LightCube data centers along the route, including seven new facilities. The network will support dark fiber, conduit, colocation and high-capacity connectivity services for hyperscale, carrier and enterprise customers.

Lightpath CEO Chris Morley said the project reflects growing demand for long-haul fiber infrastructure tied to AI and cloud computing growth.

“The Columbus-to-Chicago corridor reflects sustained hyperscale demand for high-capacity, long-haul fiber,” Morley said.

The southern portion of the route between Columbus and South Bend is expected to be the first segment placed into service. Additional amplification infrastructure is also being evaluated to increase network capacity.

The project expands Lightpath’s broader effort to build underground fiber infrastructure supporting large-scale data center and enterprise connectivity markets across the U.S.

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