ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — A major rehabilitation project at the historic St. Clairsville Bike Trail is entering its final phase, with city officials expecting the trail’s iconic tunnel to reopen in the coming days.
The project, which has been underway for more than a year, is approaching completion as crews finish paving and site improvements around the trail corridor.
According to city officials, work has included a 90-foot extension on the tunnel’s south end, replacement of retaining walls, stabilization of surrounding slopes, resurfacing of the trail, and construction of a new trailhead area.
Paving operations recently began on the section of trail between the gazebo area and the tunnel, with officials anticipating that work will wrap up by the end of the week, weather permitting.
The tunnel, originally built in the early 1900s for railroad use, later became part of the city’s Rails-to-Trails system. It remains the only rail trail tunnel in Ohio and is one of the area’s most recognizable recreational landmarks.
Additional improvements have also been completed at the trail’s upper parking area, including new paving and upgraded access routes connecting visitors to the main trail.
City officials say portions of the project will continue after the tunnel reopens, including work on pathways linking the upper parking lot to the trail system. However, those remaining improvements are not expected to delay public access to the tunnel.
The nearly $3.3 million project is being completed by Shelly & Sands Inc. and remains on schedule for completion this summer.
Officials have emphasized the importance of the investment, noting both the historical significance of the trail and the safety improvements made throughout the project area.
The reopening is expected to be welcome news for residents and visitors who regularly use the trail for walking, running, and cycling.
Meanwhile, the city’s popular Gazebo Acoustic Nights summer concert series will proceed as scheduled, with no disruptions anticipated from the remaining construction work.
