DAYTON, Ohio – A $1.5 million investment could help transform an abandoned railroad track into a major bike path through one east Dayton neighborhood and beyond. 

What You Need To Know

  • $1.5 million secured for Rails-to-Trails project

  • The abandoned railroad track runs through Huffman Historic District

  • The project will have two sections

  • The goal is to connect the area with more than 300 miles of trails around the region

Congressman Mike Turner, City of Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, and city planner Susan Vincent announced details of the Rails-to-Trails project.

The abandoned track goes through the Huffman Historic District.

The first section, called “The Flight Line”, will be an elevated parkway connecting to the Creekside Trail.

The second, southern portion will connect to the Iron Horse Trail. 

The goal is to help connect the area to the more than 300 miles of existing trails in the region.

“By connecting this we are going to transform that is abandoned and that is a blighting influence to the community, into an area that attracts activity, energy, and excitement,” Turner said.

Even though the $1.5 million in funding has been secured for the project, there is no concrete timeline for start and finish dates. 

The city is currently in negotiations with Norfolk Southern to buy the full 6.5 miles of rail line.