New Sandusky Bay Pathway segment opens as regional coalition launches

A new stretch of the Sandusky Bay Pathway, including a bridge over Pipe Creek, opened July 9. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and other regional leaders attended the ribbon-cutting.

The segment runs from Cedar Point Drive to Hemminger Ditch, west of the future Landing park. It was paid for by a 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant awarded for the U.S. Route 6 Connectivity Corridor project.

A coalition for the whole shoreline

The event also launched the Sandusky Bay Pathway Coalition, which wants to link communities along Sandusky Bay and the Lake Erie shoreline with more than 100 miles of shared-use paths. Partners include the city of Sandusky, the Greater Sandusky Partnership, Cedar Point and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The pathway idea dates to 2006. Earlier segments run along Shoreline Drive, Venice Road, Meigs Street and East Water Street. A stretch between Mills Street and Lions Park is funded for construction in 2027, and ODOT will build a companion trail east to Rye Beach Road in Huron.

City Manager John Orzech called the opening "another major step toward creating a pathway that connects our neighborhoods, waterfront, parks and regional destinations."

Source: City of Sandusky announcement