The Franklinton Loop Souder Avenue Connector strengthens a key link between downtown Columbus, the Scioto Greenway Trail, and the historic Franklinton neighborhood. Identified as an area with limited trail and pedestrian access, Franklinton faced physical and environmental barriers that restricted safe connections. This project improves mobility and access while navigating complex riverfront conditions along the Scioto River.

Souder Avenue has long posed challenges for pedestrians and bicyclists due to constrained roadway conditions, a river crossing, and the presence of an existing floodwall and floodgate. Portions of the corridor lie within a FEMA designated floodplain and floodway, requiring careful coordination and regulatory review. Creating a continuous shared use path required balancing transportation goals with flood protection and agency requirements.

GPD provided planning, engineering, and design services through a two phase contract that progressed from feasibility and concept development to detailed design and construction documentation. The project includes approximately 2,500 linear feet of shared use path and a pedestrian bridge spanning the Scioto River, creating a continuous connection between West Broad Street, Rickenbacker Drive, and the Scioto Greenway Trail system.

At a key pinch point near the existing floodgate, the design incorporates a fully engineered breach of the floodwall paired with a passive, automatically operating flood control gate that deploys when water reaches the path surface. Because the improvements permanently alter an existing United States Army Corps of Engineers civil works project, the design required approval through the Section 408 review process and coordination related to FEMA floodplain requirements.

The completed connector improves safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while strengthening connections between downtown Columbus and the Franklinton and West Broad Street neighborhoods. By removing a major barrier along the river corridor, the project expands access to the regional trail network, linking users to more than 126 miles of connected trails.