NEW UPDATE: May 15, 2008  

TRAIL INFO / DETOURS / CLOSURES / ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SOME NEW STUFF BROADMEADOWS BRIDGE DEDICATED BUT NOT QUITE OPEN.  The trail, however, has been rerouted back to its original path (with new asphalt, of course) and the bypass is no longer being used. I was unable to get to the dedication but a visit on Thursday, 5/15 had the bridge still closed while the path was open and the fencing and other landscaping necessary to return the stretch to its original state were in progress. I would assume that as soon as some final touches are complete, the bridge will be open to the general public. In the meantime, as the trail is nearly back to normal, I am taking down the construction information.   CRPD 2008 TRAIL UPDATES Brad Westall, Greenways Planner for CRPD, sent along an e-mail with the following information on trail plans for the coming year: Greetings cyclists!!   Recreation and Parks is busy getting our trail network tuned up for a big year.  Each spring, we work hard to get the trails cleaned up and ready for a busy season.   And each year we try to provide some substantial safety improvements for users.  We never seem to be able to hit all of them, especially as we add new miles to the system.  However, I want to forward a list of the '08 improvements, many of which we received from you:   Olentangy Trail     Repair a flood prone section @ mile 9, just south of Bethel/Antrim area. NOTE (4/24): A "Road Closed" sign and some barrier material has appeared along the side of the trail in this area which would seem to indicate that this repair may be not long in starting. NOTE (5/08): A section of the levee along which the trail runs in this area appears to have been stabilized. Not sure if this concludes this project as of this date.     Re-stripe the centerline of the path, along faded sections, from Antrim to downtown.     Continue adding new directional/regulatory signage along the path.      Add new COG trailhead map kiosks.     Re-do the Northmoor path entry.  Remove bollards and hazards, etc.     Repair a serious riverbank erosion slip just south of Antrim, threatening to take out the trail Henderson Road bridge:  This is a big project, involving the entire season.  The path will remain open, through an orange-barrel work-around on the south side.  This improvement will construct a new 10' wide path on the bridge deck, completely replacing the dangerous narrow walk there now.   Scioto Trail     Clear brush and debris back from the path from the Confluence to the Utilities Complex @ 910 Dublin Road     Alum Creek Trail     Repair the Broad St. underpass railing     Re-do the path entry steps @ Watt Rd., Strawberry Farms Park     Finish trail signage project, including directional/regulatory and trail head maps.     670 Path     This path is a real challenge for this department.  We vow to continue trying to get this one up to safe standards.      We want more of you to use it, and we understand there are problems.  For this year:     Fix the Leonard Ave./670 bridge situation---install new ramps, fix the hazardous bridge joint gaps, remove obstacles     and fix hazards near the Nelson Rd. overpass.     (This will at least address the hazardous conditions.  We will have to phase in improvements, this path will be a     section of the Ohio-to-Erie, and a major east/west route, and we need to put it into good shape.  Please bear with us.)   With all of this comes path interruptions, as you are aware.  We need to access these sites to fix problems, and that means trucks and equipment during work hours.  So far, you have been very patient and we appreciate your willingness to detour, go around, or find alternate short term routes.  We try to minimize the down time.  We also, however, have to respond to numerous interruptions from outside sources---mostly utility projects as they continue work on the Olentangy trunk sewer.  These projects will last over the next several summers, and we will do our utmost to keep the paths open and flowing.  Hats off to our contractors as well, they have been very receptive to keeping things open, and it is extremely challenging.  We urge you to obey the signs, keep back, and don't do anything risky.   Much is happening on the future trail development fronts, we have lots of support from Mayor Coleman, Director McKnight, and City Council.  Stay tuned.   Be safe, ride a lot, and feel free to contact us.  Forward this to those I may have missed.   Brad Westall Greenways Planner MORPC  CAPITALWAYS REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN http://www.morpc.org/transportation/capitalways/capitalways.asp The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has posted the CapitalWays Regional Transportation Plan to their website. It is an extensive set of documents which puts forth the entire scope of transportation projects and plans through 2030. Obviously, Bikeways and Trails are a part of than plan and you can read about what is coming and send comments to MORPC as well at the link above. It is a rather large set of files but if I can distill down to a few relevant pages, I will post them on the site. COBAC CHANGES - NOW "CONSIDER BIKING" also BIKE TO WORK WEEK UPCOMING. For anyone who uses the COBAC website (Cobac.org) that site is going away as that group has merged with and will operate under the "Consider Biking" website: http://www.considerbiking.org/site/ If cycling is your exercise or transportation of choice, check it out. Also (and you'll find more info on their website) we have Bike to Work Week coming up May 12 - 18.  AVAILABLE CITY BIKERACKS FOR FREE Dave Roseman sent me this note back in February. Not sure how many of if they are still available but I thought I would post it anyway: Yesterday, according to City of Columbus Transportation there are approximately 75 bike racks which are currently on-hand in Columbus storage. -Various metal rack styles, mostly inverted "U's" - finished with black or galvanized silver. -These are available for free including necessary installation within Columbus jurisdiction-both public & private sites. -If located within private right-of-way the owner will have to sign off on legal document assuming any liability & other future responsibilities. -Anyone or business can submit & track a bike rack request(s) by utilizing the Columbus City 311 service center.   ---Call 311 or  614-645-3111 or use on-line service request form  http://331.columbus.gov/ -The signage dept. handles the labor. -Allow approximately 3 months  (work order, field site inspection, paperwork, install process) Dave also sent along this note: FYI   Yesterday morn I was called upon by WCMH TV4 NBC to be interviewed by news reporter about my participation as Trail Watch Volunteer for Columbus bike trails. Mark Young (copied), CRPD Asst. Dir., had recommended me and fortunately I was able to make this sudden on-site appearance. Two different pieces aired on April 6 during the 6 PM* & 11 PM news. It was a great plug for the program, good opportunity to promote safe riding practices, and a nice way to publicize the City's need for more volunteers to help patrol the Alum Creek, Olentangy, and other recreational multi-use paths within Columbus confines.   What was left on the cutting room floor were several people approaching me regarding various issues (complaints about debris & litter, flooding, erosion) and my politely chasing off two cars that were attempting to park on Cooper Park grass vs. nearby parking lot. Just another typical, but gorgeous, day. :-)   http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/home.html Scroll down to "NBC4 Video" section... *click 'Trouble on the Trails' SPRING TRAIL CONDITION UPDATES I've ridden or run all the major riparian trails (except the Darby Creek Greenway) in the past few weeks. There are no major obstructions though I should point out that there are a number of low lying spots which, with heavy rains, can be partially or completely flooded when the high water comes. Keep an eye out for ponding during wet times. Additionally, sometimes winter can be very hard on asphalt--especially older surfaces. Some areas to look out for - the stretch from the north Antrim Lake turnout all the way up to SR 161 on the Olentangy Trail has numerous small buckles and one very large one (just at the turn in to the Lake area.); the trail surface from Woody Hayes Dr south to the power station on the OSU campus was in terrible shape before and now is really a problem--holes, broken pavements etc. Especially under John Herrick Dr. OSU has put it out that they will begin some sort of repair/reconstruction this year. Hopefully so because another year of floods and deterioration and there might not be a trail in some parts. SOME CONSTRUCTION UPDATES Older construction info is moved to Trail Construction; older documents are moved to: Greenways and Trail Resource Page ALUM CREEK TRAIL: There appears to be some major work on the large pond at the north end of the trail in Westerville. There are silt fences all around the pond and some plastic fencing none of which seems to be impacting trail use. It is possible that some of the work could interfere at some point. Caution advised.  SCIOTO (LOWER) TRAIL: The west side of Civic Center Drive and the roadway itself are under construction from Broad St to Town St. There is a single lane of southbound traffic still open however the best course to take is to cross to the east side walkway and use that to bridge the work.  4/19 update - walkways on both sides are closed off. Best bet now is to run or ride up one block to Front St and use that rd to bypass the area. (Riders can use the auto lane but it gets a little crowded.) (FOR THIS AND MAIN ST/RICH ST BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION INFO SEE BELOW) SCIOTO (UPPER) TRAIL:. Confluence to Dublin Rd -  The configuration at the water pumping station has changed due to (non trail related) construction. The fencing has been move in but there is a dirt track around to the driveway out to the road. View of the end of the east section of the Upper Scioto Trail showing the fence and proximity of the driveway to Dublin Rd with dirt path around the fence. View from driveway off Dublin looking the other way. BLACKLICK TRAIL / OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL: Dave Roseman sent a link to the meeting notes of the Feb 12 BOC of our local Metroparks with several items of interest to trail users. Three involve the Blacklick Trail right-of-ways and the US33 crossing and one, long awaited by folks interested in the Ohio to Erie Trail involves the Camp Chase Railroad right of way. More information can be found here. MEETING NOTES ALUM CREEK - EASTON TO OHIO DOMINICAN I caught part of a Parks Dept presentation on Channel 3 a few weeks back. Alan McKnight, Exec Director, was speaking to the plans for this last piece of the Alum Creek Trail. The gist of it was that most of the through rights had been obtained for this section and that there were plans to begin a portion of this trail segment in 2008. CAMP CHASE TRAIL (OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL - SCIOTO TRAIL ACCESS) The Columbus Dispatch had an article in a recent edition, (2/16/08) which can be found here: Camp Chase. The story states that the Metroparks group, pending an engineering study, is prepared to purchase a right-of-way or easement along the existing rail line (which would continue to operate normally) for use as a bike or shared-use trail from the current terminus of the Prairie Grass Trail in London to a point where the rail line crosses I-270, the Outerbelt. This would take the proposed Camp Chase Trail through Battelle Darby Metropark. The trail portion from I-270 which would connect to the Scioto Trail near Grandview Blvd would be, I believe, a project for the city of Columbus and Franklin County. That is, according to the article, still in the planning stages. Once completed, it would provide a connection to the completed portions of the Ohio to Erie trail to the south and wes ALUM CREEK TRAIL: LIVINGSTON AVE CROSSING - CONSTRUCTION ALERT The metal walkways on the Livingston Ave bridge over the Alum Creek are being replaced. The work only affects the crossing there peripherally but care should be taken. Currently, work has shifted to the north side. It does not block the trail crossing. Alum Creek Trail showing the proximity of adjacent construction on the north side of Livingston Ave bridge next to where the trail crosses. While it does not close the trail, users should be aware that temporary blockages might occur as equipment or material is moved. (Pic courtesy of Dave Roseman.)     ALUM CREEK TRAIL: Petzinger Rd Intersection David also dropped me a note that the Petzinger/College Ave (US33) intersection reconfiguration appears to be on track for completion by April of '08. With the opening of the trail section from Livingston to Three Creeks, it was hoped to have it redone by the end of last year but, as with any public works project, there were things that had to be worked out. Hopefully, this awkward (for trail users) intersection can be made more compatible with the new user profile by the summer time. UPDATE: 2/10/08 Dave sent me another note indicating that the project has come back from bid so it looks to be on track for completion this year. OSU TO BEGIN TRAIL UPGRADE IN 2008 The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that OSU will begin upgrading the Olentangy Trail segment that runs from Woody Hayes Drive to the AEP power substation in the coming year. The University developed a three phase plan which was released in 2005 (see link below) and had originally been tentatively scheduled to start, funding pending, this past summer. The article, which can be found here, follows a meeting by a number of bicycle-use advocates (some of whom are contributors to this site) with the returning University President, Gordon Gee and others. The plan exists in three phases. Phase 1 - connects the current dead end under Woody Hayes Dr (where the new trail from the bridge installations a few years ago was put down) with the existing trail on the levee top. Phase 2 - reconfigures the trail around Drake Union to run on the river side. (this requires bridging the old rowing team marina on that side) Phase 3 - reconstructs the trail from Drake Union under John Herrick and along the river side of the power substation to the new trail put down during the new SR315 off-ramp installations a few years ago.  The article mentions that Phases 1 and 3 have sufficient funding and that Phase 2, with its more extensive development, is dependent on how much funding will remain after that is installed. In any case, the poor condition of the existing section will be addressed with some repaving this year regardless of whether the second phase is completed. For a pictorial walk through of the proposed Bikeways Plan, go to the Campus/Harrison West Description page. OSU FINAL DRAFT PLAN FOR CAMPUS BIKEWAYS The original draft plan is dated 11/11/05 The OSU website page is here: http://www.fpd.ohio-state.edu/?segue=MP (click on the Master Plan link) The original plan, in PDF format is here: Campus Bikeways Plan 11/11/05 The updated plan, in PDF format is here:Campus Bikeways Plan 5-10-06.pdf  SOME OTHER STUFF COLUMBUS DRAFT BIKEWAYS PLAN NOW ONLINE UPDATED: I was able to attend the recent Stakeholders' Meeting on the draft plan below. There was much discussion during the two-hour session which ranged from very specific requests for particular streets, bridges and communities to more general comments regarding the size and scope of the objectives and how and to what degree they are achievable in these somewhat uncertain economic times. Everyone in attendance evinced a strong passion for this project and all agreed that those who have done the work so far are to be congratulated on bringing it to this point and thanked for their continuing efforts. The planning process is still ongoing and commentary is still being taken through January 11th. It's a large document but I encourage spending some time with it and forwarding your thoughts through the appropriate channels.  You can e-mail them by clicking on the website below and using the mail-link. http://www.altaplanning.com/columbus/ Just in time for the holidays, the first draft plan is available for review. This is a very comprehensive look at where we are and where we can go with regard to increasing and enhancing bicycle use. A portion of it deals with dedicated multi-use trail development which makes it of interest not only to cyclists, but also other recreational users such as runners, walkers, bladers etc. The report is available for download from the Alta Planning Website:http://www.altaplanning.com/columbus/documents.htmlThere are three files (all pdf). The main report is 218 pps (13.0 MB) and is probably better saved to your local hard-drive and opened from there.There is also and appendix 51 pps (2.5 MB) and a maps documents (1.8 MB) I am putting copies here for download as well: ColumbusBikePlanDec2007DRAFT.pdf ColumbusBikePlanAppendices2007DRAFT.pdf ColumbusBikePlanMaps2007DRAFT.pdf You'll need the Adobe reader (free from www.adobe.com to view these files.)  WESTERVILLE TO ARENA DISTRICT TRAIL PROPOSAL I spoke a few weeks back with Brett Allen who has put together a proposal to use an abandoned railroad right-of-way which currently runs from Cooper Park in Westerville, down to 17th Avenue and some surface streets to link with the I 670 Bike Trail and/or the Downtown Connector near Nationwide Arena. Information can be found here:  http://wadbikewa View of the abandoned railway looking South from Innis Rd. View of the abandoned railway looking North across Innis Rd. TRAIL WATCH PROGRAM Trail security may seem like a less pressing issue because of the long daylight hours and the relatively high level of trail traffic. As we go into the fall, winter and spring, however, the traffic thins out--particularly during the week days and especially in more remote trail sections. The time of year also means poor lighting early and late. Aside from a general comment regarding doing those things which ensure personal safety, I'd also advise getting involved, if you can in the new Trail Watch program. The information is listed below. Trail Watch is a new program designed to put trained volunteers on our greenway trails - Olentangy, Scioto and Alum Creek - to help the bicyclists, walkers, joggers and roller bladers have a safe, enjoyable experience. Trail Watch is coordinated by Columbus Recreation and Parks and is supported by the Columbus Division of Police and Community Crime Patrol. Please contact us if you would like more information or a volunteer application for Trail Watch. Mark Young: Trail Watch Coordinator Ph. 614-645-3342 Danielle Jones Volunteer Coordinator Ph. 614-645-3325 CONSTRUCTION SUMMARIES

SCIOTO RIVER GREENWAY TRAIL: MAIN STREET BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION (LOWER SCIOTO AND WEST BANK TRAILS)

Location: South of Town Street through Bicentennial Park to Miranova on the east side of the river; south of Town Street to Rich Street on the west side. Description: The closed Main Street bridge has been removed and will be replaced with a new bridge. Both anchorage areas have large closed-off sections blocking the existing trails. Detour Type: Relatively short in both cases. Well signed. SCIOTO: cross through Bicentennial Park, west (left) down Main Street and back onto the trail via a short asphalt path connector. WESTBANK: Turn west on Town Street, follow down to Starling Street. There is a long gravel connector with some steep ramping from there which crosses Rich St. and connects to the trail south to Dodge Park. Duration: The bridge project is scheduled for completion in 2009. Once the approaches are in place, depending on the needs for staging construction equipment and materials, the trail detours may change or be lifted. Construction Status: The new bridge is progressing. The piers are in place and the decking is being built. Still to be constructed - the tower structure. There is a webcam at: http://mainstreetbridge.bounceme.net/ Comment: The new bridge should afford good walkways for trail users. It will also lengthen and enhance the Scioto Loop. Detour Page: Scioto Trail: Main Street Bridge Replacement Detours and Details (Lower Scioto and Westbank Trails)

SCIOTO RIVER GREENWAY TRAIL: CIVIC CENTER DR CONSTRUCTION

Location: Between Broad St and Town St Description: The reconstruction of Civic Center Dr is the start of the Scioto Mile Project. (More info here.) Detour Type: Relatively short. The west side walkway (river side) is closed to all use. One lane of roadway traffic is being maintained through the construction area but things are a little tight. Best detour is to  go one block east to Front Street and use that roadway/walkway to bypass this area. Riders can legally use the single car lane but it is tight and crowded going. Duration: This portion of the project is slated for completion in Summer '09. Construction Status: Initial stages. Comment: The expansion and rebuilding of the west side walkway should make trail use easier eliminating an uneven and narrow surface. Additionally, the long term plans for the Scioto Mile project include a river level pedestrian use walkway as well.     View from the north west corner of Broad and Marconi (MP 0) looking across Broad St. The south west corner at the closure. Looking east on Broad St, south side. Cross to opposite side and continue one block to Front St. Go right (south) to Town/ THIS IS NOW BLOCKED OFF South side of detour - looking north on Civic Center Dr from Town St. Cross Civic Center and proceed up to Front St and go left (north.)

DARBY CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL: BATELLE-DARBY CREEK METROPARK

Location:  New trail north of the Cedar Ridge picnic area of Battelle-Darby Metro Park. Description:  A trail section of the Darby Creek Greenway Trail is being built north from the picnic area to the north end of the park in the area of US 40. (Broad St.) This section will connect with existing trails in the park that run along the Darby (past the confluence in the center of the park.) A future connection with the other section of the Darby Creek Trail in Prairie Oaks Metropark, north of I-70, is in the planning stages. Detour Type: I walked the completed length of trail on 8/8. There is an uncompleted short bridge over a run or wash. (easily bypassable with the current dry condition), a lot of very rough crushed rock and about a mile and a half of trail ending in a field near a short stretch of abandoned asphalt roadway which is, I believe, a part of the lands acquired by the Metroparks from the nearby Darby Dan Farm. Duration: Slated to be completed in '08. The connection to Prairie Oaks will occur sometime in the future. Construction Status: The trail just ends in a field a little less than two miles south of US40 and maybe an eighth of a mile west of Darby Creek Dr. A check on 2/7/08 indicates that construction barriers are still in place at Cedar Ridge. No update on the trail itself at this time. Comment:  I hiked from Cedar Ridge south to the southern tip of the Ancient Trail and back up to the top of the existing new section and back to Cedar Ridge. Even allowing for construction detours and one wrong turn it was a out-and-back hike of a bit over nine miles.

SITE CHANGES, ADDITIONS, MODIFICATIONS :

TRAIL BLOG

Any one who had been on this site over the past few years would probably recall that I have experimented, from time to time, with things like a message board (too much bot-spam) and a personal trail log (still around here somewhere). What with the millions of blogs out there these days, and with Google making it so easy to manage the process, I have created a blog site. I can promise little other than observations and a little more personalized approach to trail things. Anyway.

Some of the stuff will probably duplicate some of the personal history information and other things. So be it.

http://jnybny.blogspot.com/

SITE CONTACT

As you may have noticed, I am not a professional when it comes to building and maintaining a website. I am always learning and experimenting and, at last count, this site had some 17,000 files of one sort or another that made it up. Broken links, missing pictures etc. kind of come with the territory. If you notice anything, or if you have a suggestion or comment please drop me a line at njp@jnybny.com.

And to the many folks over the years who've sent me notes appreciation for the site. Thank you!

SOMETHING OF A DISCLAIMER

The information contained on this site is collected and organized by me with the occasional help of some friends and fellow trail users. I also collect and reproduce information from official sources involved with trail planning, construction and maintenance. It is as accurate as I can make it but it is not necessarily complete, not necessarily current and, in some parts, pure personal observation and in other parts, anecdotal. There are a number of very expert agencies both public and private, some of whom are listed on the Links Page. For more specific and more accurate info in their capacities, please check with them.

I collect and post information on trail construction and detours. This is purely for informational purposes. I do not advocate violating official road and/or trail closure restrictions nor do I encourage anyone to travel or pass through construction areas whether construction is going on or not. Serious injury can result. So you're on your own in that regard.

That said, enjoy the trails and I hope you find the site useful

AFor Archived Construction Information: Go to the Trail Construction page.
For earlier Notes, Reports and Plans: Go to the Resource page.

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05/15/2008