FOREST PARK, Ohio — The City of Forest Park is considering improving safety on its busiest stretch of road and wants your input.

Forest Park 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 path, known as a shared-use path, along Winton Road between Sharon and Kemper roads.

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

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

It’s part of an ongoing feasibility study, representing a “significant step” toward connecting the community and creating a safe walking path to school for students in Winton Woods City Schools.

Bowers said between 22,000 and 27,000 cars use the stretch of Winton Road each day.

“Coming from the south right now, Winton Road has no sidewalks at all,” said City Manager Scott Falkowski. department of public works and storm water utilities. “We’re going to see students walking along the median and along the sides of the road, on the shoulders, just to get to school.”

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

Tri-state routes

“There is a project that the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office is working on to replace an existing bridge. They have committed to implementing the shared use path on one side of the bridge,” Bowers said. “That’s really the preferred alternative that we looked at.”

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

• Alternative #1: neighborhood 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

Tri-State Trails

Falkowski said that with community input, more ideas can be implemented into a single shared-use path.

“It could be multiple, so we’ll see what the public has to say and what ideas are out there,” he said. “Because we’re sitting in a room, we might focus, but someone else will have a better idea.”

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

“You have (a) range of kids that will use it, the older generation,” Falkowsi said. “Bike lanes are becoming much more popular and it’s something that’s needed. It’s an important thing.”

Once the community feedback portion of the study is complete, Falkowski said they will finalize a plan and bring it to the Forest Park City Council to explore funding options.

“It’s going into that phase of getting public input, and with that we’ll have a little extra in our back pocket to look for more grants so it’s not just city funds,” he said. said.

If you want to weigh in, you can find an online survey at the Tri-State Trails website Here.