A new shared-use path crossing U.S. 68 in Oldtown is officially open to pedestrians, bicyclists and other users, giving trail-goers a safe way to cross the busy highway near Great Council State Park. The announcement capped a construction effort that included a new pedestrian bridge over U.S. 68 and a separate bridge spanning Oldtown Creek.
The Ohio Department of Transportation's Cincinnati District 8 shared the news on Facebook on Wednesday, posting simply, “It's officially open!” according to Ohio Department of Transportation - Cincinnati District 8. The path is designed as a grade-separated, multi-use trail connection running along U.S. 68 between the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the education center at Great Council State Park, according to a July update from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
What the Project Actually Built
Beyond the headline bridge over U.S. 68, the project also included a bridge over Oldtown Creek as part of the broader trail connection, the department's July bulletin states. Crews also made improvements to U.S. 68 itself in Oldtown and reworked the intersection of U.S. 68 and Brush Row Road, part of the same scope of work detailed in that update.
Eagle Bridge Company served as the project's contractor, having been awarded a contract worth approximately $8.9 million to complete the work, per the department's July bulletin. Construction of the bridge itself got underway in early spring 2025, according to the Yellow Springs News.
Months of Closures Led Up to the Opening
Getting to this point meant a string of planned closures along U.S. 68 and Brush Row Road throughout the summer, as crews tackled bridge, electrical, drainage and pavement work, the department's bulletin noted. WDTN had reported the project was on track to wrap up between late October and early November, with final completion originally scheduled for early summer of 2027.
That timeline tracks with figures included in Wednesday's Facebook announcement, which listed June 1, 2027, as the project's final completion date.
A Safer Crossing Near Great Council State Park
For trail users, the practical upshot is a safer way to get across U.S. 68 right at Great Council State Park, which is associated with the Ohio Department of Transportation. The new connection links the Little Miami Scenic Trail directly to the park's education center, giving cyclists and walkers a route that avoids crossing the highway at grade.
The project was developed in coordination with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, tying the transportation improvements to the state park's broader footprint in the Oldtown area. With the path now open, pedestrians, bicyclists and other users have access to the new bridges and trail connections described in the department's earlier project updates.
