Transportation & Engineering

After discussing the results of the survey and comments from Traffic Engineering and other City departments with CUFNA, DOTE pursued an opportunity to pilot the one-way conversion on a pair of parallel streets in CUF, Rohs and Chickasaw. The necessary lane marking changes to incorporate contraflow bike lanes were designed, and this minor construction work was completed in August of 2024. DOTE will be collecting and analyzing data related to this pilot and may pursue further conversions of some adjacent streets in the future.

The goal of CUFNA's proposal is to improve safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists by allowing one-way travel only on the streets shown in the following map. The streets, which currently operate as two-way, are so narrow in places that it is difficult for two vehicles to safely pass. 

CUFNA also has requested the installation of contra-flow bike lanes, which would operate one way in the opposite direction of vehicular traffic to improve safety and mobility for cyclists.

► Printable Version of Above Map

The following image shows an example of a similar, existing contra-flow bike lane.

Please note: Parking on both sides of the street is maintained while providing a designated lane for bikes to use that increases their visibility and safety.

 

 

As part of DOTE's review, the transportation planning team highlights the following considerations:

• The conversion likely would improve access for larger service vehicles, such as fire and trash trucks
• The conversion likely would result in increased vehicular speeds on reconfigured streets due to the lack of any opposing traffic
• The conversion likely would Increase traffic on Warner Street

If the proposal moves forward, DOTE may recommend countermeasures, such as the installation of speed cushions to reduce vehicle speeds and increase safety.

To help manage the potential for more traffic on Warner Street, DOTE will evaluate sight lines and may adjust “No Parking” zones to ensure vehicles can adequately see cross-traffic before turning. 

Please note: The city does not anticipate removing parking spaces along any streets that may be converted to one way.

Two-way traffic on these streets is oftentimes difficult due to the lane width. Larger vehicles in particular may be unable to pass each other. The following photos show the existing lane conditions on several streets in the CUF neighborhood.

 

 

Thank you for taking our survey. It closed Jan. 31, 2023. The summary of responses are noted in DOTE's analysis highlighted in the following letter and table below. 

April 24, 2023

CUF Neighborhood Association
2364 McMicken Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45214
Subject: Proposed One-Way Street Conversions

Dear CUFNA President and Trustees,

The City of Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) has completed the 
review of your request to convert eight streets within CUF from two-way to one-way. This review 
included comment cards sent to all affected addresses, an online survey, City of Cincinnati 
department comments from CPD, CFD, and DPS, and a thorough internal DOTE review by traffic 
engineering and the pedestrian safety and bike program managers. It is important to note that the 
results of this review highlighted the potential for increased speeding on these streets, should they 
be converted. This concern was shared by both City staff and the majority of survey respondents. 

In total, 130 online survey responses and 76 mail-in cards were received. The full results are 
available if desired. Online survey results showed 63% supported the conversion, with 55% of mail-in
surveys indicating support. Many of the mail-in survey responses (particularly from those who did 
not support one-way conversion) indicated a concern that this conversion would increase speeding 
on these streets. The online survey allowed DOTE to obtain more detailed information, and 70% of 
respondents supported speeding mitigation on these streets.

Based upon the information obtained through this review, DOTE has determined it is feasible to 
convert the streets west of W. Clifton (Flora St., Victor St., Chickasaw St., Rohs St., and Wheeler 
St.) to one-way. However, DOTE believes it is not feasible to include Moerlein Ave. and Ohio Ave. 
based on the need for vehicles to access Bellevue Hill Park and other streets that are only 
accessible to Moerlein Ave. and Ohio Ave. 

Additionally, speed mitigation measures must be included as a part of this project scope. Total
projected costs have greatly increased due to the addition of these speeding countermeasures
and are currently estimated to be $450,000. This project does not currently have funding
programmed in the DOTE budget. DOTE recommends that CUFNA submit this project as a
Community Budget Request for future consideration.

I am happy to discuss this further with CUFNA. Please contact me at 513-335-9115 or 
matthew.hulme@cincinnati-oh.gov if you have any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Matthew Hulme
Division Manager, DOTE

 

 

Online Survey Responses 

 

Mail-In Survey Responses

 

Attention:     Matthew Hulme
                     Transit Coordinator, Department of Transportation & Engineering
USPS Mail:    801 Plum Street, Room 445
                     Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Telephone:   (513) 335-9115
Email:           matthew.hulme@cincinnati-oh.gov