City of Akron Seeking Comments on Phase 2 of the Rubber City Heritage Trail

Public comments are requested by May 30, 2024

Akron, Ohio, April 26, 2024 - The City of Akron is seeking feedback on the next phase of the Rubber City Heritage Trail which will include: 10-ft wide asphalt trail pavement, wayfinding signage, miniature neighborhood trail plazas, viewing benches, improved street crossings, and conduits for future fiber optic network expansion as well as additional sidewalks. Phase 2 of the trail starts at Exchange Street by Fire Station 2 and ends at Huntington Avenue across from the Dollar General.

There will be a public meeting held next Tuesday, April 30 from 5-7 pm at The Well CDC (647 E. Market St.) to provide more detailed information regarding the proposed project and to further solicit public input. Questions, comments, and concerns may be sent by May 30, 2024 via email to Project Manager David Clapp at [email protected] or mailed to:

Akron Engineering Bureau

166 South High Street

Design Division Room 701

Akron, Ohio 44308

Attn: David Clapp

Rubber City Heritage Trail overview:

The Rubber City Heritage Trail is a proposed multi-use trail linking the Akron neighborhoods of East Akron, Middlebury, University of Akron, South Akron, Firestone Park, and Kenmore via an abandoned rail line. The trail alignment follows 6-miles of the former ABC rail line that provided service to tire and rubber companies of Akron, including Goodyear, General Tire, BF Goodrich and Firestone. The rail corridor is majority owned by the City of Akron. The Rubber City Heritage Trail is a major component of the City's growing bicycle network as it allows safe pedestrian travel for all abilities and destinations: recreation, school, work, etc.

A feasibility study was completed in 2018 with many project partners including Summit Metro Parks, Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, Goodyear, the Knight Foundation, the Well Community Development Corporation, and Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study.

Phase 2:

Phase 2 of the Rubber City Heritage Trail starts at Exchange Street by Fire Station 2 and ends at Huntington Avenue across from the Dollar General. Construction is planned for Summer of 2025 and will include: 10-ft wide asphalt trail pavement, wayfinding signage, miniature neighborhood trail plazas, viewing benches, improved street crossings, and conduits for future fiber optic network expansion. Additional sidewalks connecting the Middlebury Marketplace to the trail and Arlington Avenue are included. The project will not impact any environmentally sensitive resources. All construction will occur on City of Akron land.

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