Brace yourselves, Cincinnati residents and visitors: The Heart Mini Marathon is set to take over the city streets again this Sunday, March 16. According to the City of Cincinnati's official website, a significant chunk of Downtown, Riverfront, and Columbia Parkway will be off-limits to drivers from the earliest hours of the morning until the sun dips down in the late afternoon. Road closures are slated to start at 4:30 AM and are expected to stretch until roughly 5:00 PM.
For those who plan to navigate the city that day, here's a heads up, Fifth Street will be closed between Walnut Street and Columbia Parkway, and again from Culvert Street to Eggleston Avenue. Sixth Street will similarly be off the table between Columbia Parkway and Walnut Street, including the exit ramp from I-471. Lawrence Street and Sentinel Street will be completely shut down, while Main Street will only allow access to garages between Fourth and Sixth Streets. And don't forget, no streetcars will be hampered during this time, so that's a transportation option worth considering.
The list of closures continues with Sycamore, Broadway, Seventh, and Culvert Streets all facing restrictions. Riverside Drive's eastbound lanes will be closed from Eggleston Avenue to Bains Street, while E Mehring Way will see empty lanes from Joe Nuxhall Way to E Pete Rose Way. Moreover, the Taylor Southgate Bridge will be entirely closed, so you must plan an alternative route across the water.
Extended closures along Columbia Parkway will significantly impact the usual traffic flow. Expect to see barriers set up from Fifth Street to Delta Avenue, including access points from EB50, NB471, or Second Street. Smaller streets like Kemper Lane, Martin Street access ramp to westbound Columbia Parkway, Taft Road, and Torrence Parkway will also contribute to diversions, so plan to leave early and double-check your routes to circumvent any surprises.
Residents within the affected areas, fear not—access to your homes will be maintained throughout the day. For anyone seeking further details or a full rundown of the street closures, the city has provided information here. As thousands lace up their sneakers to pound the pavement for a good cause, remember to adjust your plans accordingly. Consider this an opportunity to enjoy a Sunday exploring the Queen City on foot or by streetcar.
