Shared-Use Path Proposed To Complete The
Columbia Connector, Link To Mariemont Connector

Open Houses Scheduled to Share Route Alternatives

Lebanon, Ohio (October 19, 2022) – As part of continued improvements stemming from the Eastern Corridor Program, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in cooperation with Great Parks of Hamilton County (Great Parks), Columbia Township, and the village of Mariemont, is proposing to complete a shared-use path, the Columbia Connector trail, to link the existing Little Miami Scenic Trail to the future Mariemont Connector Trail at Pocahontas Avenue. Public review and input opportunities are being held both online and in person starting October 19, 2022:

Virtual Open House
Oct. 19, 2022 – Dec. 2, 2022
www.PublicInput.com/ColumbiaConnector

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In-Person Open House
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 | 5 pm – 7 pm
Mariemont Elementary School
6750 Wooster Pike

“The goal for this proposed share-used path is two-fold,” said Stephanie Otten, the project manager from ODOT District 8. “First, we’re looking to make it easier and safer for people who walk and ride bicycles from residential areas in Mariemont and Columbia Township to access businesses along Wooster Pike. Secondly, we’re looking to better connect people from these and other neighborhoods with the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the regional trail system.”

The proposed shared-use path has been separated into two sections for project development, review, and funding purposes:

• Spring Hill Connection – Sponsored by Great Parks, this section extends from the current terminus of the Columbia Connector trail at Walton Creek to the intersection of US 50/Wooster Pike, Spring Hill Drive, and Miami Run, located between McDonald’s and the Kroger fuel station.

• Pocahontas Connection – Sponsored by Great Parks, Columbia Township, and the village of Mariemont, section extends between the intersection of US 50/Wooster Pike, Spring Hill Drive, and Miami Run and the area just north of the Mariemont Public Library on Pocahontas Avenue.

Several route alternatives have been developed and will be shared with the public for review and input during virtual and in-person open houses. Comments should be submitted by Dec. 2, 2022, and can be shared online, at the in-person open house, or by email, mail, or phone to:

Stephanie Otten, P.E., Project Manager
ODOT District 8 • 505 South State Route 741 • Lebanon, OH 45036
(513) 933-6584  •   Stephanie.Otten@dot.ohio.gov 
PublicInput.com/ColumbiaConnector

Once completed, the proposed path will extend the Columbia Connector trail to the future Mariemont Connector trail. Together, these paths will open up a new arm of the regional shared-use trail system, which includes the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Murray Path, Wasson Way, Ohio River Way trail, Mill Creek Greenway trail, and Canal Bikeway, all of which are part of the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN), as well as the Lunken Airport Trail and the Otto Armleder Memorial Park Trail.

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Any individuals needing interpretation or translation services or other reasonable accommodations to participate in the open houses, review project materials, or provide comment should contact Kathleen Fuller at (513) 932-3030. Public participation is encouraged without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

The image above shows the study areas for the Columbia Connector Trail Alternatives.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kathleen Fuller, 513-933-6517
Liz Lyons, 513-933-6534