Contractor L.J. Deweese Co. Inc.’s work will begin on Whipp, where “traffic impact will be minimal,” Ingle said.
“But there will be some lane restrictions and flaggers” at certain times, he said. “It won’t be closed. But there will be potentially a one-lane situation will have to be flagged while they’re working on that area.”
The work on Whipp will also require a detour of the Iron Horse Bike Trail, possibly for a couple of weeks, near where the project will start, Ingle said. Signs will be posted prior to the work, he said.
Currently, the Iron Horse Bike Trail ends at the north side of I-675, according to Kettering.
The new path will cross Bigger Road just south of the Kettering line and connect to the existing path that goes over the interstate, according to Ingle.
During work on Bigger, one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained, he added.
“Potentially, there might be a slowdown, but it will be a continuous flow” situation, Ingle said.
Much of the project will be paid for through federal transportation funds obtained by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Kettering will pay $129,000 and Centerville $119,000, records show.
“It’s been a long-term goal to connect Iron Horse Trail to the city of Centerville’s bike network,” said Centerville city engineer Jim Brinegar. “This is the most cost-effective way to do that while making the entire regional trails system more accessible.”
The section of path on Hewitt Road will be a shared used trail, according to Kettering. The new crossing at Bigger Road will include a center refuge island, signage, pavement markings, lighting and flashers to improve safety for both pedestrians and bikes.
“If you’re traveling south on the Iron Horse trail, there’s no marked route to get over 675 easily,” Ingle said. “So, this will add that connection piece to the Iron Horse trail to continue to the south.”
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