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Cincinnati leaders are seeking $25 million in federal funding to help cap portions of Fort Washington Way in downtown Cincinnati. The proposed project would create new public space, pedestrian connections, and future development areas above the highway corridor between downtown and The Banks. Officials estimate the broader project could cost about $187 million and take several years to complete. Local leaders say the project aligns with federal programs focused on reconnecting communities divided by major highways.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County officials are renewing efforts to transform a long-discussed vision into reality by building deck caps over Fort Washington Way.
The proposal would create new land above Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 50 between downtown and the riverfront.
Local leaders say the project could improve walkability, create green space, and support additional residential and commercial growth near The Banks entertainment district.
According to the Cincinnati Business Courier, the overall project carries an estimated cost of about $187 million. Officials are currently seeking up to $25 million in federal funding for the first phase of construction. The proposed caps would cover roughly 5.6 acres across a three-block section of the highway corridor.
The idea of capping Fort Washington Way has circulated for decades. City planners originally designed portions of the rebuilt corridor in the late 1990s to support future highway decks. Support structures were included during reconstruction to allow for potential development above the roadway later.
Fort Washington Way project would create new downtown space
Project supporters say the Fort Washington Way proposal would remove one of downtown Cincinnati’s largest physical barriers. The highway trench currently separates the central business district from the Ohio Riverfront and The Banks area.
Officials envision parks, plazas, event spaces, and mixed-use development above the highway. Early conceptual renderings showed green space, soccer fields, gathering areas, and public event venues. According to WLWT, the project team has discussed using the space for festivals, watch parties, and other civic events.
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber has played a major role in advancing the proposal. Chamber officials partnered with KZF Design and engineering firm WSP to develop updated plans and prepare grant applications.
Pete Metz, vice president of civic strategy and policy for the chamber, told the Business Courier the goal was to move the project beyond conceptual discussions. Leaders believe a finalized design improves the city’s chances of securing federal transportation and infrastructure grants.
Mayor Aftab Pureval previously described the proposal as a project capable of unlocking more of Cincinnati’s long-term development potential. Hamilton County officials also support the effort as part of broader downtown growth initiatives.
The corridor already serves as a major transportation route. Fort Washington Way carries Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 50 through downtown Cincinnati and connects to Interstate 75 near the Brent Spence Bridge.
Federal funding remains critical for Fort Washington Way
Federal grant funding remains the biggest hurdle for the project. Cincinnati previously applied for federal assistance through transportation and infrastructure programs but did not receive funding during earlier application cycles.
According to FOX19, local officials unsuccessfully applied for federal Reconnecting Communities funding in 2023. Despite the setback, city leaders said they planned to continue pursuing additional grant opportunities.
The federal Reconnecting Communities program was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program focuses on projects that reconnect neighborhoods divided by highways and other transportation infrastructure.
Supporters argue Fort Washington Way fits those goals because the corridor historically separated downtown Cincinnati from the riverfront. Officials say the proposed caps could improve pedestrian safety and encourage more development between the two districts.
The project’s estimated timeline stretches several years. The Business Courier reported the overall buildout could take approximately five and a half years once construction begins. Initial phases would likely focus on a smaller section of the corridor before expanding further west.
Some officials have also discussed using tax increment financing, commonly known as TIF funding, to support future phases. Under that approach, development generated by early phases could help finance additional deck construction later.
Downtown redevelopment continues around Fort Washington Way
The proposal arrives as Cincinnati continues major redevelopment efforts near the riverfront. The Banks district has expanded significantly during the past decade with apartments, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
According to the City of Cincinnati Department of City Planning, downtown redevelopment remains a major economic priority for city leaders. Officials view improved connectivity between downtown and the riverfront as an important part of future growth.
Urban planners have long argued the highway corridor creates a visual and physical divide between districts. Several civic organizations and local advocacy groups have supported efforts to reconnect those areas through public infrastructure projects.
The concept also mirrors similar highway cap projects completed in other cities across the United States. Cities including Dallas, Columbus, and Atlanta have used highway decking projects to create parks and public gathering spaces above urban freeways.
Supporters believe Cincinnati could benefit from similar redevelopment opportunities. Proposed concepts include:
- New green space and public parks
- Additional pedestrian and bicycle access
- Event and entertainment areas
- Mixed-use commercial development
- Improved connections to The Banks
Critics, however, continue raising concerns about project costs and long-term funding sources. Some community discussions on Reddit and other public forums questioned whether public money should support new infrastructure projects while other city needs remain unresolved. Others expressed concern about maintaining the project over time.
Still, public interest in the proposal remains strong. Local leaders continue emphasizing the long-term economic impact of reconnecting downtown with the riverfront district.
The idea itself dates back to the original reconstruction of Fort Washington Way more than two decades ago. According to historical records and reporting from local outlets, engineers intentionally designed portions of the corridor to support future caps if funding eventually became available.
That planning decision now gives Cincinnati leaders an opportunity to revisit a project that many supporters believe could reshape the downtown riverfront experience for future generations.
For now, city and county officials remain focused on securing federal funding and moving the first phase toward construction planning.
FAQs
What is the Fort Washington Way project?
The project would build deck caps over sections of Fort Washington Way in downtown Cincinnati. The goal is to create usable land above the highway for parks, event spaces, pedestrian access, and future development.
Why are Cincinnati leaders requesting $25 million?
City and county officials are seeking federal funding to support the first phase of the project. The money would help cover planning, engineering, and initial construction costs tied to the highway caps.
How would the project affect downtown Cincinnati?
Supporters say the project would improve connections between downtown Cincinnati and The Banks riverfront district. Plans also include new public spaces and possible mixed-use development above the roadway.
Has Fort Washington Way been redesigned before?
Yes. Fort Washington Way underwent a major reconstruction project in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Engineers included structural support elements during that rebuild to allow future deck caps to be added later.
