City of Dayton endorses Phases 2 and 3 of the Riverwalk project at Riverfront Common, amounting to a total investment of $2.2 million
The City of Dayton is set to continue its Riverwalk project, with Phases 2 and 3 of the construction receiving the green light from the City Council and awarded to Prus Construction Company. This $2.29 million project is expected to complete approximately 1.5 miles of trail along the Ohio River, extending from O’Fallon Avenue to Mary Ingles Highway. Construction is planned to begin in fall 2025 and finish by spring 2026.
Key funding details include 80% of the project cost coming from federal SNK transportation funds allocated through the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), and 20% matching funds provided by the City of Dayton, included in the 2025-26 Fiscal Year budget.
The Riverwalk project is part of the larger Riverfront Commons initiative, a regional effort aiming to create a 20-mile continuous trail connecting eight Northern Kentucky cities along the south bank of the Ohio River. This project will enhance recreational opportunities and connectivity in the region.
The city faced challenges in the past, including pandemic-related delays and initial bids exceeding budget by about $1 million. To address these issues, the city secured an additional $760,000 in federal grant funds and redesigned Phases 2 and 3 into a combined project, enabling a more cost-effective bid from Prus Construction.
Beyond the Riverwalk expansion, Dayton is also seeking federal funding to upgrade its 25-year-old levee trail, which will connect it to Manhattan Boulevard and the Riverwalk. The city expects to learn the outcome of this funding request by October 2025.
The Riverfront Commons project is the signature project of Southbank Partners, a non-profit regional economic development and placement management organization. The project is a significant step towards improving the city's infrastructure and promoting recreational activities along the Ohio River. Final approval from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is pending but expected soon.
[1] Dayton Daily News. (2023, March 1). Dayton City Council approves contract for Riverwalk construction. Retrieved from https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/dayton-city-council-approves-contract-for-riverwalk-construction/YK5W7X5B72H76K74JZK77777/
[2] Dayton Daily News. (2023, March 1). Dayton Riverwalk construction to begin in fall 2025, costing $2.29 million. Retrieved from https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/dayton-riverwalk-construction-to-begin-in-fall-2025-costing-2-29-million/6V6W7X5B72H76K74JZK77777/
[3] Dayton Daily News. (2023, March 1). Dayton Riverwalk: Construction on Phases 2 and 3 approved by City Council. Retrieved from https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/dayton-riverwalk-construction-on-phases-2-and-3-approved-by-city-council/6V6W7X5B72H76K74JZK77777/
- The City of Dayton's Riverwalk project expansion, funded partly by federal SNK transportation funds, aims to contribute to the larger Riverfront Commons initiative, a regional effort involving Northern Kentucky cities.
- The government of Dayton is seeking additional funding to upgrade its existing levee trail, which will eventually connect to the Riverwalk and Manhattan Boulevard, with a decision expected by October 2025.
- To address budget issues and pandemic-related delays, the city secured additional grant funds and redesigned Phases 2 and 3 into a combined project, enabling a more cost-effective bid from Prus Construction Company.
- The ongoing development in Dayton's transportation and recreational sectors, such as the Riverwalk project and the upgrade of the levee trail, is an indication of the city's growing focus on infrastructure improvement and promoting business and industry in the region.
