Additional Traffic Aids to Help Motorists Driving on the Streetcar Route Near The Banks

CINCINNATI – Additional traffic aids have been installed to help motorists better navigate the southern end of the streetcar route along Second Street near The Banks and over the Walnut and Main street bridges spanning Fort Washington Way.

Those aids include more signage, painted lane arrows to indicate right-turn and through lanes, as well as flexible bollards that create a barrier between streetcar and general vehicular traffic. A photo is posted below.

“These additions make the changes in traffic movement more easily understood in this very busy area that connects downtown and The Banks,” said Michael Moore, Director of the city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering.  “They also will guide motorists who access garages at The Banks and on Main just north of Fourth Street. With the streetcar operating in pre-revenue service, this is a good opportunity to help motorists who are still getting used to sharing the road with our newest transportation infrastructure.”

Motorists are allowed to drive in the streetcar lane in most areas along the 3.6-mile route, which flows between The Banks, downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

However, this U-shaped part of the track system on Walnut, Main and Second streets is one of several streetcar-only stretches. Only streetcars are allowed in these areas because the streetcar needs extra room to maneuver while turning left. Motorists are not allowed to drive, stop, park or cross over in this area or anywhere along the route designated by double white lines with diagonals. Motorists who drive or park illegally along the route will be ticketed and/or towed.

Crews last week also added through and right-turn lane arrows on Main Street north of Fourth Street. Those arrows are intended to help direct through traffic on Main and those motorists who want to turn into a parking garage just north of the streetcar station stop.

The streetcar began its final phase of operator training, known as pre-revenue service, earlier this month. The system opens to the public Sept. 9.

Learn more about how to drive, park and access the streetcar by watching several short videos on the City of Cincinnati's website.

Information Updates

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