GHOST TRACKS

After reading the article in the Enquirer today who really decides what happens with SR-32? If they stop the highway do the rail and Red Bank go forward independently? If ODOT backs out do the City County or SORTA carry on?

Anybody know what if anything is going in the space of the recently demolished building on 6th accross from Dunnhumby next to Walgreens?

Tower crane went up today.

They are installing the window panels at the middle of the facade now and most of the glass in in place on the ground floor. Not what I was expecting to see.

I asked one of the construction crew about the screens and he understood that they were permanent until the garage spaces are converted to offices space

Looks like they are installing screens instead of glass on the parking floors which don't look good at all.

It seems to me that any the bigger issues for streetcar route on the viaduct is not the bridge itself but how the streetcar could connect at Central Parkway, McMillan and at Westwood on the other end. The MSD/City construction in south fairmont, as I understand it, does not inlcude provisions for dedicated transit. Also the plans call for the bridge to be a double deck strcuture and the ramps at Westwood could complicate a rail connection. As noted most of the existing housing in the area will be demolished so ridership south fairmont itself would seem to be modest.

I believe the Record of Decision from the planning work done in the early 2000's included a recommendation to preserve right of way for possible rail transit but there is not a "mandate" to "develop" the Wasson Line. Even if Norfolk Southern sells the property to the City there is a long way to go before it could connect to downtown or east to Clermont County.

There is a thread for the western Hills Viaduct under general transportation but It seems as if it should be under roads and biking to me. The City has been studying the replacement of the bridge for a couple of years now. Seems like the bridge replacment has been under the radar compared to other less costly projects in the area.

I believe that ODOT is currently starting to buy right of way this spring. Duke working on the reconstruction of its substation on the river to make way for the new bridge. I believe the monies that KY is restoring are for the right of way in Covington. The preliminary engineering has been done by and large at this point and the final plans would be completed by the contractor team once they have the money in hand to cover availability payments. I am surprised that there has been no mention of only tolling the I-75 mainline and leaving the local connections to Covington and downtown untouched which would give the urban short cut commuters a free pass.

Looks as if the project will be pushed back another couple of years since the Kentucky legislature will not get on board with the tolling provisions. Seems that ODOT should look at what can be done on the Ohio side like it was planning to do a few years ago in phases while Kentucky catches up. I think you could build most of the I-75 project north of 9th Street without affecting FWW or the Ohio River Bridge. Also wonder if the delay will allow the City's replacement of the Western Hills Viaduct to be tied into the work on I-75.

I believe the City looked at needed improvements to rail access for CUT in its Railroad Improvement and Safety Plan developed as part of the Plan Cincinnati comp plan update.

I believe the light post is the intended final result. FHWA roundabout guidance includes placement of light poles at the center of the island central island for both the lighting effect and to provide a visual cue to drivers that the route must divert around the island when it may not be visually obvious from a distance at night but I agree it a an awkward gateway to the riverfront from the Roebling.

The recent value for money study conducted by ODOT and KYTC estimated diversion of up to 70,000 vehicles if a $2 toll was imposed. If that level of diversion is real and would be sustained the additional capacity provided the new I-75 bridge would not be necessary. Also it has not been made clear at this point what may be needed at other river crossings to accommodate the diverted volumes and how this would be funded and who would be responsible.

ODOT has posted a design build scope for the interchange and plans to short list three teams of contractors soon with the winning bidder selected in the spring. The plan is to extend the two way operation of McMillan to the existing I-71 NB ramp which will remain in operation as will the SB Taft Ramp.

LED lighting on the stairs does look good but it would be nice to see something programmed besides the random colors. The new bridge/steps are a lot better than the old bridge which was an eyesore. The plaza/parking lot also cleaned up the area. Too bad the pedestrian circulation around the arena at ground level is so poor.

There are more public meetings on the Eastern Corridor rail transit coming this week downtown, Fairfax and Cleremont County. Does anyone know if this is really going to be off the ground by 2015? I can' t imagine tracks downtown will be in place in 18 months along with rolling stock.

Does anyone know if the building frame is steel or concrete above the garage levels? They are moving quickly now and seems as if they will be above grade by the end of the year.

Anyone know when the new pedestrian bridge will open from the Broadway lot to the US Bank Arena?

I believe during the OKI Western Hamilton County Study they estimated 50k per day in traffic which would have been the highest total outside of the Interstate Bridges. Also the recent ODOT Value of Money Study for the Brent Spence predicted at over 70k would divert from I-75 if 1-2 dollars were charged in tolls which would greatly change the congestion problem by itself.

I don't see tolls being politically acceptable to westsiders especially since the City is floating bonds for the streetcar. On the other hand it is going to be a big lift to get $200M to build anything in this day and age especially since it is not a state highway etc. Surprised this has not had more attention since it is the regions most expensive road project outside of I-75.

Cincinnati is hosting three public information sessions for the Western Hills Viaduct Project to seek feedback on the proposed upgrade of the east-west corridor across the Mill Creek and railroad yards. The sessions are 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Orion Academy, 1798 Queen City Ave.; and 4-5:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Cincinnati City Hall, 801 Plum St. The Western Hills Viaduct is being studied for a major upgrade. This may affect you and your neighbors, both during construction and after completion. Project staff will review the status of planning performed to date and next steps to evaluate reconstruction or replacement of the viaduct. Residents’ input is important to the planning, design and construction of the transportation connector. The presentation will have structured and open questions. During the interactive session, electronic keypads will be supplied for you to provide input on project issues and to answer questions. Visit the project website for more details, www.cincinnati-oh.gov/westernhillsviaduct. Shouldn't this thread be under Roads and Biking???

Saw announcement last week that new public input meetings for the Viaduct are scheduled this Tuesday and Thursday evening. I believe at Orion Academy and City Hall.

Anyone have details on the new ped bridge next to US Bank Arena and if it will be done for the playoffs?

Similar tolling technology will be used by KYTC and INDOT for the new I-65 and East Side Ohio River bridges in Louisville which will be under construction in the next year and will serve as funding and procurement models for the Brent Spence and related I-75 work.