Forest Park is seeking feedback on a proposal to build its busiest stretch of road.

FOREST PARK, Ohio. Forest Park city officials are looking at improving safety on the busiest stretch of road and want your input.

The city is partnering with Tri-State Trails, Great Parks, Winton Woods City School District (WWCSD) and the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office (HCEO) on the project.

The goal is to explore ideas for developing a mile-long road, known as a public road, along Winton Road between Sharon and Kemper roads.

During an open house at the Forest Park Library on Tuesday, October 29, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., a series of project maps and information boards showing various route options will be presented to the community.

“(Shared use paths) are typically paved 10 to 12 feet wide and provide plenty of space for cyclists and pedestrians,” said Brad Bowers, Tri-State Trails project manager. “Something that is separated from traffic and is safe for people of all ages and all abilities.”

It is part of a feasibility study into the route which represents a “significant step” towards bringing the community together and creating a safe walking route to school for Winton Woods City Schools students.

Bowers said between 22,000 and 27,000 vehicles travel through the Winton Road section each day.

“Right now, when you look from the south, there are no sidewalks at all on Winton Road,” said Scott Falkowski, the city’s director. public works and stormwater department. “We will see students walking in the middle and along the edges of the road, the side of the road, just to be able to get to the school.”

Tri-State Trails has identified a preferred direction for the trail south of Waycross Road and Lincolnshire Drive, shown in segments one and two on the map below.

“The Hamilton County Engineer’s Office is working on a project to replace the existing bridge. They have committed to implementing a shared path on one side of the bridge,” Bowers said. “This is really the preferred alternative that we were considering.”

Then, from Lincolnshire Drive to Kemper Road, they chose three route options:

Alternative #1: nearby streets (Lincolnshire Drive and Jason Drive) and Central Avenue
Alternative #2: Winton Road, Waycross Road and Central Avenue
Alternative #3: Winton Road from Lincolnshire Drive to Kemper Road

Falkowski said that based on community input, multiple ideas could be implemented in one sharing path.

“There may be several, so we’ll see what the public says and what ideas come up,” he said. “Because we’re sitting in the room, we can focus, but someone else will have a better idea.”

As part of the study, Tri-State Trails conducted a crash analysis and found that between 2014 and 2024, there were 12 serious crashes on Winton Road, including two pedestrian fatalities.

“You have (a) wide range of kids that will use it, the older generation,” Falkowsi said. “Cycle lanes are becoming more and more popular and this is what is needed. This is an important thing.”

Once the community input from the study is received, Falkowski said they will finalize the plan and present it to the Forest Park City Council to explore funding options.

“We’re moving into the phase of getting public input, and with that we’ll have a little bit of extra money in our back pocket where we can get more grant funding so it’s not just city funds,” he said. said.

If you would like to participate, you can find an online survey on the Tri-State Trails website. Here.