Cincinnati Wins Federal Funds to Build Cap Over Fort Washington Way

Cincinnati announced on Tuesday that it has been awarded federal funding to move forward with a plan to cap a portion of Fort Washington Way, the elevated freeway that splits the city’s downtown core. The grant clears a major hurdle for a project that city leaders say will stitch together neighborhoods, create new public space and spark economic development.

Core developments

According to WLWT, the Federal Highway Administration approved a funding package that will be used to design and eventually construct a deck over the highway segment between Riverfront Parkway and the Roebling Bridge. The same information was reported by WCPO 9 News, which noted that the money comes from the federal Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act program that supports large‑scale transportation projects.

The Business Journals added that this is the third time the proposal has secured federal support after two earlier applications were turned down. The agency’s decision follows a series of city‑led studies that identified the cap as a “transformational” improvement for downtown. WVXU echoed the news, emphasizing that the funding will cover a portion of the total project cost and will be combined with local and state contributions.

The Cincinnati Enquirer provided a timeline, explaining that after four attempts the city finally succeeded in obtaining the grant. City officials plan to use the award to hire engineering firms, conduct environmental reviews and begin the detailed design phase. The funding is not a full‑build commitment; rather, it is a seed investment that will allow the municipality to move the project from concept to construction‑ready status.

City leaders have described the cap as a “deck” that will sit atop the highway, creating a continuous surface for pedestrians, cyclists and possibly new mixed‑use development. The project is intended to reconnect the riverfront district with the downtown core, eliminate the visual barrier created by the elevated roadway, and provide space for parks, plazas and transit‑oriented amenities.

Why it matters

Fort Washington Way has been a point of contention since its construction in the 1960s. While the highway facilitated regional traffic flow, it also created a physical and psychological divide between the riverfront and the rest of downtown. Urban planners and community advocates have long argued that covering the freeway would restore continuity, improve walkability and increase property values on both sides of the road.

Economically, the cap is projected to unlock billions of dollars of private investment over the next decade, according to city‑commissioned analyses referenced by the Enquirer. By creating a contiguous parcel of land, the city hopes to attract developers interested in office, residential and retail projects that can take advantage of the new public realm.

From a transportation perspective, the deck would not eliminate the highway but would shield it from surrounding development, allowing traffic to continue uninterrupted while reducing noise and air‑quality impacts for nearby residents. The project aligns with a national trend of “freeway caps” that have been used in cities such as Seattle, Boston and Dallas to reclaim underused airspace for public benefit.

Socially, the initiative is framed as a step toward equity. Neighborhoods that have been historically isolated by the highway—particularly the Over-the-Rhine district—stand to gain new connections to jobs, services and cultural amenities. Advocates argue that the cap could serve as a catalyst for community‑led programming, from outdoor markets to performance spaces, thereby enriching the city’s cultural fabric.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

City officials, including the mayor’s office, have praised the grant as a validation of Cincinnati’s long‑term vision. In statements quoted by WLWT, the mayor’s spokesperson said the funding “puts us on a path to finally realize a project that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Business groups expressed optimism as well. The Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, referenced in the WCPO 9 report, highlighted the potential for job creation during both the construction and operational phases of the deck.

However, not all reactions were uniformly positive. Community members who attended a recent city council meeting voiced concerns about cost overruns and the possibility that the new development could accelerate gentrification. The Enquirer reported that a neighborhood association warned that without robust affordable‑housing safeguards, the project could displace low‑income residents.

Transportation advocates also raised questions about the long‑term maintenance of the deck and the need for clear funding streams to keep the structure safe and functional. The Business Journals noted that some experts caution that “capped highways can become costly liabilities if not properly managed.”

What’s next

The city’s next steps, as outlined by WVXU, involve finalizing the engineering design, securing additional state and local funds, and beginning the environmental review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Once those approvals are in place, the city plans to issue a request for proposals to contractors for the construction phase, which could begin as early as 2028.

In parallel, the mayor’s office said it will convene a stakeholder working group to address community concerns, including affordable‑housing provisions and public‑space programming. The group is expected to deliver a set of recommendations to the city council by the end of the year.

Finally, the federal grant is contingent on the city meeting certain milestones, such as completing design work and demonstrating matching funds. If those conditions are satisfied, the project could move from the planning stage to a full‑scale construction schedule, potentially reshaping Cincinnati’s skyline and urban experience within the next decade.