Project Information

The Region
The Falls of the Ohio area has long been recognized as a unique area for a number of reasons. It has been the site of human settlement dating from prehistoric times. The only land access to the Falls and the Devonian era fossil beds is from Indiana. Permanent settlements in this area of Indiana began in 1778 with George Rogers Clark's settlement now occupied by the Town of Clarksville. Settlements began shortly after in Jeffersonville and New Albany.

All of these communities have independently pursued programs to improve the riverfront through their jurisdictions over a period of years. However, government leaders from the three Indiana communities recognized the need for a more cooperative dialogue in an attempt to promote a more uniform approach to improving the riverfront. The Mayor of Louisville joined them in these discussions.

The main theme of all this effort was to provide better access for the public to view and enjoy this nearly seven-mile reach of the Ohio River and its riverfront amenities. The improvements to this seven-mile stretch are all a part of the Ohio River Greenway. The Ohio River Greenway Project is creating a linear park increasing public access to the riverfront. 

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Clarksville (Click here to see before and after for Mill Creek Bridge)
The longest stretch of the Greenway Corridor runs along the Falls of the Ohio including wonderous views of the Falls of the Ohio. This stretch begins at the eastern edge of the Clarksville town limits from about the Carmen Industries property.  This roadway section of the Greenway in Clarksville will largely stay adjacent to the existing floodwall and will afford access to the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center and wildlife trails running from parking areas to the Ohio River. The multiuse path and roadway will continue through Ashland Park.  The roadway portion will require a cut through the existing levee at the intersection of Harrison and Loomis Avenues. The completed paved levee top trail is 1.5 miles starting at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center on top of the earthen levee to the George Rogers Clark Home Site and Indiana State Park. The completed Mill Creek Bridge was the first segment of the Ohio River Greenway Federal Project.  (Click here to for history of Mill Creek) The multiuse path will continue along Harrison Avenue and Emory Crossing Road.  The path will use an abandoned rail road continuing across Silver Creek to the Loop Island Wetlands in New Albany.
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Jeffersonville
The Greenway's eastern most beginning is in the City of Jeffersonville next to Jeffboat. This area provides the user-friendly access to the Ohio River. At the upper pool of the McAlpine Dam the Ohio River is easy to navigate by boat and thousands of people frequent this area, on land and by use of the river.

Although Jeffersonville's riverfront is the most developed of the three communities that make-up the Greenway, the addition of improved access will allow pedestrians and bicyclists recreational opportunities that do not currently exist.

The Greenway Plan features a multiuse path close to the river, in fact, at some points right at the river's edge. This will allow for public access and provide renovated dock space. The existing Terraced Lawn at the foot of Spring Street will be augmented with a multiuse pathway and additional lighting. The multiuse path will be connected to a landing at the base of the Big Four Bridge and will provide direct access to Louisville as part of a cooperative plan by the cities of Louisville and Jeffersonville.

Between the Kennedy (I-65) and Clark Memorial bridges, the existing restaurants and the Ohio River will border the multiuse path, which will be routed near the water's edge. This pathway will continue west to Ashland Park in Clarksville. The Greenway plans for Jeffersonville include additional lighting, park benches, a renovated boat ramp, and roadway improvements.
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New Albany
The New Albany section of the Greenway Corridor will begin at the City's eastern edge at Silver Creek. The new bridge will allow pedestrians, bicyclists and passenger vehicles a direct route along the Ohio River. This route will be highlighted by old growth river forest that will remain essentially in-tact, and a former landfill area that the City plans to renovate into a public park. This park will contain many recreational activities such as ball diamonds and picnic areas.

The Greenway will continue along a route under the historic K & I Bridge. The City is hopeful that an eventual connection to the K & I will allow the pedestrian and bicycle enthusiast access to the Louisville Riverwalk; this could permit a complete loop trail around the Falls of the Ohio by linkage to the Big Four Bridge in Jeffersonville. As the Greenway continues westward it will be bordered to the north by the concrete portion of the floodwall. While this area is very narrow, it has some of the most pristine views of the Ohio River.

Immediately adjacent to the Greenway Corridor and west of the existing Sixth Street connection, New Albany has plans for a significant downtown revitalization. The City is developing a combination of both public and private investments. Scribner Place will be developed in phases with a natatorium, a new YMCA, and a plaza area opening directing to the riverfront. The Greenway will make an excellent addition to these recreational features.

The Greenway Plan includes additional cuts in the levee to allow free and open access of pedestrians and bicycles to the riverfront and the multiuse path. This additional access will permit greater utilization of the New Albany Amphitheater area. The most western part of the Greenway, extending to West 10th Street, is a wide and underutilized area that will permit additional recreational activities with a new boat ramp, picnic areas and potential private development.