Elmore to Central Parkway Connector

If you missed the June and July CTM meetings, you may not be aware of CTM taking a position on some of the details of the proposed connector bridge/road from Elmore St. in South Cumminsville to Central Parkway in Clifton. This news post details recent correspondence between CTM and Ohio DOT on the project. It also contains a link to recent project drawings/plans:

After a detailed report by the Transportation Commmittee and subsequent discussion, CTM Trustees agreed to send a email regarding the connector as follows:

——– Beginning of email —–
August 11, 2015

Lee Matthes, P.E.
Project Manager
District 8, ODOT
Phone: 513-933-6612
Lee.Matthes@dot.ohio.gov

Dear Mr Matthes,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment on the Elmore to Central Parkway Connector (PID 98109) on July 21, 2015. The public information session was attended by a Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) Trustee (Mike Schur) and several Clifton residents. The public information session designs, along with subsequently provided certified traffic report, were presented and discussed at the August 3, 2015 CTM meeting. The Trustees voted unanimously to submit the follow comments.

Although we appreciate the completion of a certified traffic study, we feel the traffic impact of the connector to Clifton is indeterminate at this time. CTM still has concerns regarding the effect of the connector to Clifton residents and businesses. Please continue to update CTM and include in any future planning and public input.

CTM welcomes the planned shared use bicycle-pedestrian path on the new roadway. However, we note the absence of separated bike lanes on Central Parkway in the current plans. In June of 2014, CTM passed a resolution of support for the Central Parkway Separated Bike Lanes and their extension to Ludlow Avenue. We request that the connector plans include separate bike lanes on Central Parkway consistent with the City of Cincinnati Bicycle Transportation plans and recommendations.

Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments.

Sincerely,
Anthony Sizemore
President, Clifton Town Meeting
cc: City Councilmembers, Mayor of Cincinnati, City Manager
——–End of email————-

On August 19, Mr. Matthes replied by email as follows:
Mr. Sizemore,
Thank you for your comments regarding the Elmore/Central Parkway Connector project.

Per discussions with the City of Cincinnati DOTE (Department of Transportation and Engineering), the cycle track that has been installed south of Marshall Avenue was planned to extend north to Ludlow Avenue. This extension will be a separate project, locally sponsored by the City. The proposed Elmore to Central Parkway Connector project will not preclude that work.

FYI – See below link to access all the exhibits that were displayed at the Public Involvement meeting. Exhibit #1 shows the proposed Connector Road (connecting Elmore Street to Central Parkway; large bridge that spans over I-75, Mill Creek and Dirr Street). Exhibit #2 is zoomed out – showing more of the surrounding area. Exhibit #3 states the Purpose of the project and shows the current schedule. ODOT will continue to update CTM regarding project status and schedule.

Link: Click here.

Respectfully,
Lee Matthes, P.E.
—– End of reply —–

CTM’s Transportation Committee will continue to follow this topic and provide updates at monthly meetings when new information is available.