A new two-mile bike and pedestrian trail could loop through downtown Columbus as soon as 2028.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Edwards Companies President and CEO Jeff Edwards announced the proposed Capital Line trail Wednesday at the Columbus Metropolitan Club.
The Capital Line trail would run along Gay, Rich and Fourth streets and across the river to the Scioto Peninsula. Renderings show dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks with outdoor furniture, vendors, and lots of trees, shrubs and flowers.
Ginther said the loop seeks to connect downtown amenities and better use space, “to make sure whether you're on four wheels, or two wheels, or two feet, that you feel safe and welcome downtown and experiencing some incredible amenities.”
Based on similar projects in other cities, Ginther estimates the Capital Line will cost around $100 million. He pointed to public-private partnerships for funding and added that “the city is going to be all in.”
Ginther emphasized improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, adding that motorists are “on notice.”
“The world does not revolve around them and that this downtown in this city belongs to everybody,” Ginther said.
Edwards believes the trail would spur development downtown.
“Spots along the trail or along the line that right now might not be prime for development, really immediately become prime for development,” he said.
Edwards said downtown currently “suffers” a little from a lack of density and connectivity.
He also emphasized a “green component” of improving tree coverage and greenery. Edwards said downtown Columbus’ tree canopy is at just 9%, while the city as a whole is at 22%, which is less than most suburbs.
Edwards expects construction on the project to begin in about a year. He anticipates the project happening in four phases with completion possible by 2028.
Columbus Downtown Development Corporation is expected to lead the project.
