A roadblock is on the way for one of the region’s most popular bike trails because a new bridge will take all summer to install.The Loveland Bike Trail will be closed at a distance from downtown that takes about one minute to walk. The bridge will be closed for most of March and will reopen, but will then close down again from May until October. “I don't think it's going to make too many people happy. The timing is not what I would call the best,” said Loveland resident Julie Dolbier.“That is very disappointing because that is the riding season,” said Diana Hodges-Batzka. “It just means we will be going to the other parts of this wonderful trail that Ohio has.”That’s the concern. The trail is important to downtown Loveland businesses.Now, people hitting the trail at Loveland can’t go north toward Morrow and Lebanon, which is the most popular route.Loveland City Manager David Kennedy said the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s plan was to replace the bridge in January, but supply chain issues pushed it back to the summer.“They're doing the right thing, timing, it's not good. It's not good for our businesses, but I'm absolutely supportive of the project,” Kennedy said.Business owners are remaining optimistic.“You’re always tempted to think worse-case scenario, but I think, for the most part, if you’re committed to doing good work, people want to come and find you anyway,” said the owner of Narrow Path Brewing Company, Chad Powers.
A roadblock is on the way for one of the region’s most popular bike trails because a new bridge will take all summer to install.
The Loveland Bike Trail will be closed at a distance from downtown that takes about one minute to walk.
The bridge will be closed for most of March and will reopen, but will then close down again from May until October.
“I don't think it's going to make too many people happy. The timing is not what I would call the best,” said Loveland resident Julie Dolbier.
“That is very disappointing because that is the riding season,” said Diana Hodges-Batzka. “It just means we will be going to the other parts of this wonderful trail that Ohio has.”
That’s the concern. The trail is important to downtown Loveland businesses.
Now, people hitting the trail at Loveland can’t go north toward Morrow and Lebanon, which is the most popular route.
Loveland City Manager David Kennedy said the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s plan was to replace the bridge in January, but supply chain issues pushed it back to the summer.
“They're doing the right thing, timing, it's not good. It's not good for our businesses, but I'm absolutely supportive of the project,” Kennedy said.
Business owners are remaining optimistic.
“You’re always tempted to think worse-case scenario, but I think, for the most part, if you’re committed to doing good work, people want to come and find you anyway,” said the owner of Narrow Path Brewing Company, Chad Powers.
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