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Image for Plan to cap Fort Washington Way, link downtown to The Banks revived

Plan to cap Fort Washington Way, link downtown to The Banks revived

WKRC · July 2, 2026

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - For more than two decades, city leaders have talked about covering Fort Washington Way to create new land that could better connect downtown Cincinnati to The Banks and the riverfront.

Now, a new $25 million federal grant is giving that long-discussed plan a jump start.

For more than two decades, city leaders have talked about covering Fort Washington Way to create new land that could better connect downtown Cincinnati to The Banks and the riverfront. (WKRC, Provided)

The grant will help pay for final design and construction of the first stage of the project, which would cap Fort Washington Way between Vine and Walnut streets. The broader plan calls for covering almost all of Fort Washington Way at a projected cost of $187 million.

The idea has been part of the city’s vision since the highway was reconfigured and reopened in 2000, when pilings were built in to allow for future construction. Those pilings can support buildings up to four stories.

Cincinnati Mayor Aft…