Solon Shares Updated Rails To Trails Proposed Map

SOLON, OH — The city updated its planned Rails to Trails project, connecting downtown Chagrin Falls to Solon. No engineering studies have yet been conducted, the city noted.

The proposed route would start on SOM Center Road, with a trailhead launch site that includes signage, bathrooms, bike racks, water fountains, waste bins, and all the other amenities common to trail rest areas.

The trail itself would be 10 feet wide and ADA accessible, based on current plans. In areas where the trail abuts certain residential neighborhoods, like Meadowdale Drive, the city would install evergreen trees (10 feet to 20 feet tall) and a 6 foot security and privacy fence.

Where the trail intersects with Liberty Road, the city would install safety bollards a crosswalk, and signs reading "Open Dusk to Dawn" and "Crossing." Safety railings would also be put up where needed.

The entire proposed map has been posted online for public viewing.

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Shortly before the end of last year, in November 2018, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded a $500,000 grant to the city of Solon to pursue the creation of the trail. That grant complemented another batch of grant funding the city received from the Ohio Capital Budget Program, for $300,000.

The Rails to Trails program would also link to broad trail systems with the Cleveland MetroParks and potentially throughout the state.

The city has been sharing its updates on the Rails to Trails progress through the city website. All updates and documents on the program are being posted to the website.

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