Recreation trail users along the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton may want to explore the trail farther south as bridge construction has closed major parts of the trail for at least three years.

“We have three projects -- the I-75 construction, the Monument Street bridge reconstruction, and the upcoming Stewart Street bridge reconstruction – that have closed more than half of the 8-mile loop in downtown Dayton,” says Hans Landefeld, river corridor manager for the Miami Conservancy District, which maintains the trail in downtown Dayton.

The trail is closed at various areas along both banks of the river making continuous passage through downtown Dayton virtually impossible along the path.

“We would like to establish a street detour so that riders can get from Stewart Street to RiverScape and pick up the trail along the Mad River,” Landefeld says. “But nothing has been finalized.”

The Wolf Creek Trail also is closed about four blocks off of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail for replacement of the Paul Laurence Dunbar bridge.

The Monument Street bridge project is under way and should take two years to complete. The Stewart Street bridge project begins this summer and should take 18 months to complete. The I-75 construction is expected to take longer than either the Monument or Stewart street projects.

“This is a good time for trail users to explore the Great Miami River Recreation Trail farther south,” Landefeld says. “There are some beautiful views of the river and places to explore through West Carrollton, Miamisburg and into downtown Franklin.”