Pedestrian Bikeway Scheme for Saratoga Street to be Unveiled by Tri-State Trails on Aug. 6 in Newport; Unveiling Scheduled for Aug. 6 in Newport by Tri-State Trails for Proposed Saratoga Street Bikeway
The Saratoga Street Bikeway project, a partnership with the City of Newport, aims to create a safe, connected cycling route for people of all ages and abilities. This proposed project is set to transform a 0.7-mile stretch from Third Street to Eleventh Street, connecting key destinations like the Ohio Riverfront and the Cincinnati trail network.
The project is considering a bicycle-specific traffic signal at the intersection of Third Street and Saratoga Street, potentially the first of its kind in Kentucky, further enhancing safety. This signal could be a significant step in making the route more accessible for cyclists of all abilities.
Three design alternatives are being explored for the Saratoga Street Bikeway: a shared-use path, a two-way protected bike lane, and one-way protected bike lanes on both sides of the street. Each design offers unique benefits. The shared-use path provides space for multiple users separated from traffic, while the two-way protected bike lane, proposed on the west side, offers a smooth transition from the Purple People Bridge and avoids overhead utilities since poles are underground there. The one-way protected bike lanes on both sides improve safety and connectivity by dedicating lanes in each direction.
The Purple People Bridge, with an average of nearly 1,900 uses a day in 2023, is the most frequently used trail facility in the Tri-State. The Saratoga Street Bikeway project aims to capitalise on this momentum by providing a traffic-free cycling route from the Purple People Bridge into the heart of Newport.
The public is invited to share their thoughts on the project at an open house scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Newport Branch of the Campbell County Public Library. The open house will include project boards, maps, and a survey for residents to share their feedback with the project team. Whether one bikes daily or is just curious about the future of Saratoga Street, the open house is open to all.
The Saratoga Street Bikeway project was identified as a top priority in the 2024 Covington + Newport Bicycle Transportation Plan. The project's primary goal is to provide a traffic-free cycling route from the Purple People Bridge into the heart of Newport, complementing the Purple People Bridge as an iconic regional connection.
For more information and to view the design options, visit the Tri-State Trails website. Public feedback will help guide the selection of a preferred design for the Saratoga Street Bikeway project.
- The Saratoga Street Bikeway project, intended to develop a safe cycling route in Newport, could potentially include a bicycle-specific traffic signal, which might be the first of its kind in Kentucky.
- The project, following the 2024 Covington + Newport Bicycle Transportation Plan, aims to create a traffic-free cycling route from the Purple People Bridge into the heart of Newport, enhancing the region's connectivity.
- People residing in Campbell County, Cincinnati, and surrounding areas are encouraged to provide feedback on the Saratoga Street Bikeway project during an open house at the Newport Branch of the Campbell County Public Library on August 6.
- The Saratoga Street Bikeway project will be discussed during the open house, including project boards, maps, and a survey for residents to share their thoughts about the intended bikeway's design options.
- Fundamentally, the Saratoga Street Bikeway project intends to complement the Purple People Bridge as an iconic regional connection, thereby benefitting local business, industry, finance, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and transportation sectors.
- To learn more about the Saratoga Street Bikeway project and view the design options, visit the Tri-State Trails website, where public feedback will help guide the selection of a preferred design for the project.
