Reconstruction of the Stewart Street bridge has forced additional trail closures on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail in Dayton. Beginning June 23, the trail will be closed from Helena Street to Stewart Street on the right bank (west side of the river) and from RiverScape to Stewart Street on the left bank (east side of the river).

 

“We tried to develop a detour along Miami Boulevard East/Veterans’ Parkway but the contractor needed additional staging area,” says Hans, manager of recreation trails for the Miami Conservancy District. “We looked at other options but none provided the level of safety we felt was necessary. It’s disappointing to have to close the trail at Stewart Street but we believe it’s in the user’s best interest.”

 

I-75 construction projects along with replacement of the Monument Avenue bridge and Paul Laurence Dunbar bridge near downtown had made continuous passage through downtown Dayton virtually impossible along the path.

 

The Stewart Street bridge reconstruction should take 18 months.

 

“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.”