Cincinnati’s proposed effort to cap a portion of Fort Washington Way took a major step forward on Wednesday. Ohio Sen. Jon Husted confirmed the Fort Washington Way project was one of several to receive federal funding on Wednesday.

Project Details

Cincinnati officials have been pursuing a $25 million federal grant to cap a portion of Fort Washington Way, a mile-long, eight-lane freeway that runs between The Banks and Interstate 71 in downtown Cincinnati, aiming to create a public plaza and reduce noise. The proposed cap would cover the freeway between Walnut and Vine streets, creating a new city block with a tunnel for vehicles underneath.

In May, officials said construction would begin next year and could finish by fall 2029. Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas stated, “This federal funding opportunity represents a once-in-a-generation chance to reconnect our downtown, create new public green space, and continue the momentum at The Banks. By capping Fort Washington Way between Vine and Walnut streets, we can transform an infrastructure barrier into a community asset that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations.”

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval also reacted to the development on Wednesday, calling it a “huge milestone” on social media. “Thank you to our federal partners for your support of our vision. And thank you to the County and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber for collaborating on this project and so many of our large, game-changing growth initiatives,” Pureval said.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.