Virtual Meeting Materials:
Review the public meeting recording and materials below.
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT
Public input is an important part of the project development process and will be used to help inform decision-making.
Join us for a virtual public meeting on August 11, 2021, to review project details with the community, share information about the proposed route and features, answer your questions, and gather your input to be considered as project designs and routes are finalized.
Information about how to join the meeting is below.
We will welcome public comment through September 11, 2021.
Oxford Area Trails Northwestern Arc (Under Design)
Trail Type: Multi-Use
Level: Easy
Length: 4 miles
Description:
The next phase of the Oxford Area Trails System is being planned to connect the Oxford Community Park, to US 27, and then to the Black Covered Bridge. At approximately 4 miles in length, the Northwestern Arc connector will open new doors to the surrounding neighborhoods and connect destinations throughout Oxford, multiple parks like Merry Day Park, adjacent existing neighborhoods, and future planned housing developments. Planning and preliminary designs are now underway and are expected to be completed by the end of 2021. A construction schedule is yet to be determined.
The City of Oxford is expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our premier parks and the regional shared-use trail system.
Currently, the City of Oxford is planning a new connection that will extend from the north end of Oxford Community Park on Fairfield Road, travel near the Knolls of Oxford retirement community, through Merry Day Park, across the railroad tracks and US 27, and connect to the Black Covered Bridge Trailhead on Corso Road.
Once the Northwestern Arc is complete, the trail network in this area will offer nearly 12 miles of continuous multi-use trails built to improve local connectivity, expand vehicle-free travel options away from busy roadways, and offer Oxford residents and visitors multiple route options of different lengths and types of experiences.
Other ways to keep in touch:
Questions and comments about this project are welcome any time and can be shared by email:
Etta Reed, Project Manager
EXPANDING ACCESS
The Northwestern Arc will open new, easy-access entry points to the regional trail system from surrounding neighborhoods for those traveling without a car. The 10-foot wide, paved connector will be ADA accessible and suitable for walkers, runners, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchairs, strollers, and more.
Construction will also include the installation of a bridge or tunnel over the railroad tracks to create a new safe crossing from western Oxford to eastern Oxford where no at-grade crossing currently exists. Other accessibility improvements include new highly visible crosswalks across Fairfield Road, Contreas Road, and US 27.
GROWING THE SHARED-USE TRAIL NETWORK
Expanding the multi-use trail system is a top priority in the City of Oxford’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Adopted in 2008, the Comprehensive Plan sets the vision for transportation, parks, and facilities. Oxford’s investment in the Northwestern Arc is a direct response to the community's repeated requests for a planned “loop” network of trails.
PROJECT BENEFITS
Expands the local multi-use trail network to nearly 12 miles;
Provides new, non-vehicular access options into City parks from surrounding communities and neighborhoods;
Offers additional choices of various route lengths and types of experiences;
Provides safe, vehicle-free travel options that are ADA accessible;
Provides easier, safer access to the existing trail network for pedestrians and bicyclists.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The current planning phase is focusing on the route and trail design. The alignment for the trail is set to be revealed this fall once preliminary plans have been finalized. Timing for construction depends on when funds are secured.
The City of Oxford will pursue funding from multiple local, state, and federal sources, including the Ohio Department of Transportation and grants from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments.
Preliminary Design: Fall/Winter 2021
Permitting & Bidding: TBD
Estimated Construction: TBD