FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 25, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Rocky Merz, 513.352.5358

CINCINNATI – Additional traffic aids have been installed to help motorists better navigate the southern end of the streetcar route along Second Street near The Banks and over the Walnut and Main street bridges spanning Fort Washington Way.

Those aids include more signage, painted lane arrows to indicate right-turn and through lanes, as well as flexible bollards that create a barrier between streetcar and general vehicular traffic.

“These additions make the changes in traffic movement more easily understood in this very busy area that connects downtown and The Banks,” said Michael Moore, Director of the city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering. “They also will guide motorists who access garages at The Banks and on Main just north of Fourth Street. With the streetcar operating in pre-revenue service, this is a good opportunity to help motorists who are still getting used to sharing the road with our newest transportation infrastructure.”

Motorists are allowed to drive in the streetcar lane in most areas along the 3.6-mile route, which flows between The Banks, downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

However, this U-shaped part of the track system on Walnut, Main and Second streets is one of several streetcar-only stretches. Only streetcars are allowed in these areas because the
streetcar needs extra room to maneuver while turning left. Motorists are not allowed to drive, stop, park or cross over in this area or anywhere along the route designated by double white lines with diagonals. Motorists who drive or park illegally along the route will be ticketed and/or towed.

Crews last week also added through and right-turn lane arrows on Main Street north of Fourth Street. Those arrows are intended to help direct through traffic on Main and those motorists who want to turn into a parking garage just north of the streetcar station stop.

The streetcar began its final phase of operator training, known as pre-revenue service, earlier this month. The system opens to the public Sept. 9.

Learn more about how to drive, park and access the streetcar by watching several short videos at http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar/streetcar-safety/safety-videos/.

About The Cincinnati Streetcar
Recently renamed the Cincinnati Bell Connector, the streetcar is intended to expand transportation options, stimulate development, and enhance livability by connecting downtown, the riverfront and Over the Rhine. It is owned and funded by the City of Cincinnati, managed by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, and operated by Transdev.

 Wednesday, Aug.3, 2016
 Media Contact: Ursula Miller
ursula.miller@cincinnati-oh.gov
513-352-3417
 
CINCINNATI – Crews are in full swing with $9.9 million in rehabilitation work underway in eight neighborhoods.

Workers this month are repairing curbs and adjusting utility castings in Kennedy Heights, Madisonville, Avondale, North Avondale, Corryville and Evanston. Grinding and leveling is under way in Northside. Crews have completed extensive, full-depth repairs in those seven neighborhoods, as well as Pleasant Ridge.

“We know road construction can cause an inconvenience but the final result will be well worth the wait,” said Michael Moore, Director, Department of Transportation and Engineering. “Keep in mind that curb repairs and casting adjustments are the last major steps in the process before applying the final course of asphalt. That course will create a smooth driving surface.”

Road surfaces are ground down and left intentionally rough to allow crews to prep the surface so the new pavement adheres.

This rehab project is funded as part of the city’s Capital Acceleration Plan. It covers approximately 37 lane miles in eight neighborhoods in 2016. Combined with the annual street improvement program, outside grants and CAP, the city is investing approximately $172 million to rehabilitate or resurface more than half its 2,936 total lane miles in all 52 neighborhoods by June 30, 2021.

Please see below for a complete list of streets scheduled for rehabilitation this summer and fall.

​The type of work varies based on the condition of each street but generally includes:

• Grinding and paving
• Replacing curbs and curb ramps
• Repairing driveway aprons and sidewalks, as required
• Adjusting utility castings to grade
• Final surface coat of new pavement
• Line striping

 
Typical work hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Crews may work later into the evening and on Saturdays, if needed.
 
Rehab work takes about two months to complete per street. On most streets, at least two lanes will remain open to through traffic during repairs. Local access to residences and businesses will be available at all times.
 
All roads will be reopened to through traffic during non-work hours.

On-street parking may be prohibited, as needed, to accommodate crews. Signs will be posted in advance to allow motorists time to find alternate parking options. In most cases, these temporary restrictions will be in place for less than 24 hours and a street will be reopened by 6:00 p.m. Violators will be towed per city ordinance. 
 
All work is expected to be complete by the end of the month in Kennedy Heights, Madisonville, Pleasant Ridge, Avondale, North Avondale and Evanston. Work in Corryville is slated to finish in October and by Dec. 1 in Northside. Look for updates later this month and in the fall.

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