Change is coming to Central Parkway. Here's what we know now

A long-envisioned “reimagining” of Central Parkway moves forward Tuesday, as Cincinnati officials unveil preliminary design options.

The city's Department of Transportation & Engineering will present the designs at 5:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium at an event open to the public.

The project will transform Central Parkway between Plum and Liberty streets into “a safe, vibrant and inclusive urban corridor” that connects Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and the West End, according to a press release from the city.

What that will look like is not known, as the city declined to provide renderings in advance of its event and has not yet responded to a formal records request for them.

Here’s what’s known so far about the project.

'Complete streets' keep all users in mind

The Central Park Reimagined project will adhere to “complete streets” principles, which consider the needs of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation riders all at the same time, according to the project website.

Advocates working on the project earlier told the Enquirer that Central Parkway would be narrowed from 106 to 70 feet, with expanded medians and sidewalks, more protection for foot and bike traffic, and additional trees and other landscaping.

The plan would cost $20 million, supporters said in late 2021. That followed Cincinnati City Council's vote that September for $1 million in start-up funds for the project.

This April, U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Mount Washington, asked the federal government for $5 million toward the project, using the $20 million overall price tag.

In July, Landsman said he’d secured $3.5 million of the $5 million ask, pending final approval this fall.

Challenges 'expected to escalate'

The section of Central Parkway in play “can be challenging” to traverse, the project site notes.

Among those challenges: traffic from TQL, Music Hall and Washington Park events; and getting between neighborhood venues on foot.

“These issues are expected to escalate as more people and businesses are attracted to the city and nearby area,” the site says.

In addition to addressing traffic and pedestrians, the project will:

• Serve as a “magnet and anchor” for development. Already in the works are plans for a $300 million mixed-used development, with a music venue, north of TQL; and a $25 million boutique hotel at Central Parkway and Magnolia Street.

• Honor the canal that once ran down Central Parkway and the subway system, never realized, planned for underneath it.

• Be “sensitive to the historical cultural identities and landmarks” in the impacted neighborhoods.

Completion planned for 2026

City officials on Tuesday will share results of a summer survey about the project and take additional feedback on the designs they present. They will continue taking comments until Sept. 29 and complete preliminary design work by the end of this year.

Final designs will be completed over the next 12 months. Construction – contingent on funding – will follow over the following 16 months.

That would put completion in the spring of 2026.

Disruption of traffic will be minimal through the project, the project site says.

How to see the preliminary designs

The Central Parkway Reimagined workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. at Pitch View Club in TQL, with online reservations requested.

The project website will include the presentation and renderings after Tuesday night.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is happening to Central Parkway? Cincinnati officials unveil plan