Press Release
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Pedestrian/Trail Bridge Public Notice
Now Accepting Comments
Feb 16, 2021 - Akron
Cuyahoga Valley National Park with the Summit County Engineer propose to construct a new pedestrian/trail bridge over the Cuyahoga River in Boston Township, Summit County. The new bridge will be located approximately 200-250 feet south of the Boston Mills Road Bridge. The bridge will connect the parking lot on the west side which serves the newly opened Boston Mill Visitor Center (2019), Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Boston Trailhead on the east side of the river. The new bridge will provide a safe pedestrian connection between the parking lot and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The new bridge will be constructed within the boundaries of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Construction is anticipated to begin summer 2022 and last approximately 6 months.
There are no anticipated impacts to CVNP. The project will require two closures of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. Each closure will be for 1-2 days. River closure information will be available on the CVNP and Cuyahoga River Water Trail websites.
SCE is seeking comments regarding environmental or social issues related to this project, including, but not limited to, the effect of the project on local residents, cultural resources (archaeological and history/architectural), ecological resources (streams, wetlands, etc.), and regulated materials (dumpsites, underground and above ground storage tanks, etc.). Detailed environmental impacts are unknown at this time but could include historical impacts, floodplain impacts, ecological impacts, and likely will require waterway permits. Additionally, we would appreciate any information you may have on the existence of these features in the project area shown on the attached mapping. Questions and/or comments regarding this project may be directed to Joseph Paradise, Summit County Engineer’s Office, by mail 538 E. South Street, Akron, OH 44311, by phone 330-643-8105, or by email jparadise@summitengineer.net. Comments may be submitted until March 15, 2021.
