New Cincinnati-Covington ped connector 'a big deal'

A key connection between Cincinnati and Covington that had been severed for 50 years was opened to the public on Tuesday afternoon.

The mayors of Cincinnati and Covington and representatives from The Banks Public Partnership, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and Hamilton County cut the ribbon on the new Roebling Bridge Pedestrian Connector, which connects the bridge to Theodore M. Berry Way and Cincinnati's central riverfront.

Located along the eastern side of the bridge, the new connector allows pedestrians to get from Covington to Cincinnati without crossing a street or using stairs. Previously, pedestrians had to take a stairway down to the former location of Mehring Way when exiting the bridge.

"This may not sound like such a big deal, but it really is," said Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. "Connecting the great City of Cincinnati and the great City of Covington is a big deal."

Covington Mayor Sherry Carran agreed.

"We view Cincinnati as an enhancement to our City, and we hope that Cincinnati views our City as an enhancement to theirs," she said.

The $430,000 project, part of The Banks' public infrastructure improvements, began in January.

Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel noted that, so far, the improvements have been delivered on time, under budget, and with no lost-time accidents.

"This is an excellent model for getting things done," he said. "On any given night, you can see the thriving atmosphere of all that's happening at The Banks."

Lane closures

Daily lane closures continue at the north end of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to accommodate the construction of a roundabout at Theodore M. Berry Way; and on Mehring Way, between Joe Nuxhall Way and Elm Street, for the installation of a new traffic signal at the Central Riverfront Garage.

Work on each project should take approximately two months and one month to complete, respectively.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained at all times.

Previous reading on BC:
Duke Energy Garden newest Smale feature (5/14/13)
Bidding open for street improvements at The Banks (3/25/13)
Video: Smale Riverfront Park to more than double in size this May (3/18/13)
The Banks partnership: All goals met or exceeded in 2012 (2/26/13)
Yard House to open at The Banks Mar. 24, hiring 200+ (2/5/13)