PROCESS
To develop the NHX project, we’re using ODOT’s five-phase Project Planning Process. Right now, we’re working on tasks in the Preliminary Engineering phase.
This graphic illustrates ODOT’s Project Development Process.
The Planning Phase focused on:
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Identifying transportation problems
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Assessing existing and future conditions
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Identifying stakeholders
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Gathering public input
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Determining project scope, purpose, and goals
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Identifying project schedule and budget
The Preliminary Engineering Phase focuses on:
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Conducting initial technical studies, field investigations, and preliminary engineering
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Identifying and evaluating potential project alternatives
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Gathering public input
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Refining information and analyses
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Conduct the necessary environmental studies
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Identifying a preferred alternative for construction
Feasibility Study
A key part of the Preliminary Engineering phase was conducting a Feasibility Study. This study included multiple technical studies, defined existing conditions, identified environmental and community features located in the study area, and identified planned development/redevelopment projects in the study area or nearby.
The information gathered, combined with input received from project stakeholders and the general public, was used to create 18 different route alternatives. Each alternative was then evaluated on how well it would fulfill the project’s purpose and needs and how it would affect the surrounding area and the people in it.
The results of these analyses were shared with the public early in 2023 during an in-person Public Open House and a 45-day Virtual Open House. The findings of the NHX Feasibility Study and feedback received was used to narrow the 18 different route options down to a small group of feasible alternatives.
A copy of the Feasibility Study can be reviewed on the Project Documents page. Click here to view a fact sheet highlighting some of the study's key recommendations.
Overview map of the alternatives advanced from the Feasibility Study for further development and study.
The Recommended Preferred Alternative
Following the completion of the Feasibility Study, the remaining alternatives – plus a couple new options suggested by community members – were studied in much more detail. The study area was divided into three geographic sections – West, Central and East – and the alternatives were studied by section.
In June 2025, the City and BCTID identified a recommended route for each section of the NHX project based on the findings of these efforts. Together, these three routes form the Recommended Preferred Alternative for the NHX project:
West Section (North B Street to US 127): Gordon/Rhea Crossing (South River Crossing)
Central Section (US 127 – North Fair Avenue): Vine Street Connection
East Section (North Fair Avenue to SR 129/High Street): East Connection
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The map below shows how these three routes would connect to form the Recommended Preferred Alternative for the North Hamilton Crossing. These routes are recommended and have not yet been approved by ODOT. They may also be adjusted as more input is received and the project continues to be developed in more detail. As a result, specific impacts to properties are not yet known; more clarity is expected to be available in Summer 2026. Review Next Steps for more information.
Next Steps
Public Review & Comment
At this time, the Recommended Preferred Alternative is being shared with the public for review and comment. Once the public comment period is over on August 8, 2025, the City and BCTID, working in coordination with ODOT, will determine if any further modifications of the recommended routes are needed.
Environmental Assessment (EA)
In Summer/Fall 2025, an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental statutes and regulations. The EA will:
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Document the studies completed and their findings
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Identify measures to be taken to minimize impacts
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Summarize comments received from the public
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Formally submit the Recommended Preferred Alternative for approval
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The Draft EA will be reviewed by ODOT and sent to state and federal regulatory agencies (such as the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, etc.) for review in early 2026. The Draft EA will also be made available to the public for review. A formal Public Hearing will be held a couple of weeks later to gather additional community input. All input received will be considered before a determination is made on whether or not to accept the EA’s recommendations for a Preferred Alternative. This determination is expected next summer.
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If the EA is approved, no further environmental review is required and the project will advance to the next stages of development, pending the availability of funding. If the EA is not approved, additional environmental studies would be required.
Phasing & Timing
The NHX project will be built in phases, section by section. Timing depends on the availability of funding.
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It’s anticipated that the project will be constructed from west to east, with the West Section, including the new bridge over the Great Miami River, being constructed first. The West Section is anticipated to be built first due to the condition of the 100-year-old Black Street Bridge.
Before the new bridge can be constructed, however, funding needs to be secured for completing detailed engineering, relocating utilities and obtaining the necessary right-of-way. These activities will take between three and five years to complete. It will take another several years to construct the new bridge. While right-of-way acquisitions will be needed for the West Section of the project, no relocations will be necessary.
Timing for the Central and East Sections is undetermined and depends on the availability of funding. Once funding is obtained for these sections, additional detailed engineering design, property acquisition, utility relocation and construction activities can begin. These activities could take between three and five years for each section.
Funding
Planning and building the NHX in its entirety is expected to be a long-term process. Due to its size and magnitude of cost, the project will likely not be completely funded at once. Instead, funding will come from a combination of federal and local resources over multiple years.
Although we expect work to progress primarily from west to east, we will pursue funding opportunities for all parts of the project as different funding opportunities become available. At times, this could shift the order in which some elements of the project are built.
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The funding we currently have will allow us to complete the Environmental Assessment process for the NHX project. We are also actively pursuing a series of grants that will allow us to move forward with work on the West Section of the project.
We expect to pursue funding for the Central and East Sections of the project later on in the process.
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