Southgate Wins $662,000 Grant for US-27 Sidewalk Rebuild

Residents of Southgate, Kentucky, will soon see major repairs to the sidewalks along US-27. The Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments has approved a $662,000 grant to address years of deterioration on the pedestrian corridor. This funding aims to fix broken surfaces and restore safe passage for locals who walk or use wheelchairs to reach local businesses.

Mayor Jim Hamburg noted that the current condition poses a safety risk. He observed that the visible sidewalk is deteriorated and the curb is gone. Shelly Reutter, whose late husband used a wheelchair to buy groceries nearby, described the area as having large potholes that inhibit access. She explained that he often had to cross the street multiple times or enter the roadway to get around the damaged pavement.

The project is part of a larger $65 million package awarded to public transportation projects in the Cincinnati area. Bob Koehler, who represents the OKI Regional Council of Governments, stated that nearly all projects in Northern Kentucky include bike and pedestrian features. The specific funds for Southgate will cover a full rebuild of the pedestrian infrastructure.

Work will include redoing the sidewalk, installing new curbs, and replacing the retaining wall along the route. Mayor Hamburg said the plan involves removing the existing wall and putting in a new one. This initial phase is expected to begin in 2030. Local leaders hope this project serves as the first step in a multi-phase effort to improve the entire corridor from its current starting point.

The city aims to complete at least two or three additional phases after the initial work. These future improvements would extend the repairs further along US-27. For now, the approved $662,000 grant secures the immediate start of the reconstruction work.