The 220-mile route would connect the two cities and could potentially boost the economies of communities along the stretch.
"Connecting Pittsburgh to Cleveland by trail could be very good for both metro areas and people who live in them as well as elsewhere around the region and beyond. And not just for their legs and lungs and moods, but also for the health of local economies and communities," writes Bob Batz Jr.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy recently released a feasibility study for this corridor, part of a 1,500-mile route through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The stretch between Pittsburgh and Cleveland would also connect to other trail systems in the region.
Proponents say that the project would drive community and economic development, including tourism and residential developments near the trail.
The trail would be a major undertaking, and various gaps still exist along the route. "The study gives specific recommendations on how local groups can complete the missing pieces and estimates the millions of dollars that [it] will cost to do and to maintain," says Batz.
Read the full story: Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh would be a big link in cross-country rail trail
The Restaurant Industry’s ‘Missing Middle’
Locally owned restaurants affordable to middle-income families are disappearing or being forced to raise prices as costs grow.
Measuring the Economic Impact of the Great Allegheny Passage
Small communities once dependent on coal, coke, paper, lumber, and manufacturing now have a 150-mile bike and pedestrian path contributing to the local economy.
Economic Recovery in Legacy Cities
Americans living in legacy cities face a unique set of challenges and opportunities in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Several local, state, and federal support strategies could aid these cities in recouping losses.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority