Hamilton County launches Reconnecting Communities study to improve east–west connectivity

At a June 3, 2025 Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners staff meeting, county planners described a federally funded planning study intended to identify east–west transportation solutions across I‑75, multiple railroad corridors and Mill Creek in north central Hamilton County communities.

"The federal share was $300,000 and the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission has contributed a matching $75,000 for a total of $375,000," said Chris Schneider, community planning, describing the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The study area covers six jurisdictions: the city of Redding, the city of Sharonville and the villages of Arlington Heights, Evendale, Lincoln Heights and Laughlin. Planners said the work will focus on barriers to east–west movement created by I‑75, multiple rail lines and Mill Creek; north–south travel is less constrained but crossings are limited when trains block crossings or traffic is heavy.

"Part of this project will result in preliminary engineering designs, a list of recommendations and alternatives for that east–west connectivity, and then ultimately, hopefully, adoption by each local community," Schneider said. He said the plan is intended to support future capital-infrastructure grant applications once communities select projects.

Planners told commissioners an RFP selection committee has chosen a consultant and that a contract with the selected consultant will appear on the board's Thursday agenda. Schneider said the team expects to convene a steering committee with representatives from the six jurisdictions, local stakeholders and technical advisors, and to hold a kickoff meeting in late June or early July. He estimated the study would take about six to eight months, with work wrapping up near the beginning of 2026.

When asked by a commissioner what kinds of projects might emerge from the plan, Schneider offered examples at a high level: "Maybe there's a bridge that goes over the railroad. Maybe there's biking and walking paths to help with the connectivity that helped traverse some of these railroads." He emphasized that the planning process — including robust public engagement — will identify the most appropriate alternatives.

Commissioner Summer O'Dimmons asked whether railroad representatives would be included. Schneider said railroad consultation is planned as part of the project's technical team and that the consultant has contacts for outreach, but that finding the right railroad representative can be challenging.

Commissioner Reese asked whether the federal funds were already secure. Schneider said he had spoken with the U.S. DOT contact and the funds have been obligated, allowing the county to move forward with the consultant contract.

Planners and commissioners emphasized that the grant covers planning and community engagement only; funding for any construction or capital projects has not been identified and would be sought later, using the study as documentation to support grant applications.

The formal meeting later passed a motion to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(4) to discuss collective bargaining and under section 121.22(G)(2) to discuss the sale or acquisition of property.