In late December 2022, the contract for Phase V of the Canal Feeder Trail development was awarded to Jutte Excavating of Fort Recovery Ohio. A pre-construction meeting is to be scheduled in the coming months, with construction expected to begin in early spring.
The new recreational trail, consisting of 3,725 feet of asphalt will extend the Miami Erie Canal Trail to pass through the I-75 limited access right of way under the bridge structure, and to tie into the existing Canal Feeder Trail east of the interstate.
In addition, the Shelby County Commissioners have recently applied for funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) to fund construction of 2.3 miles to trailway outside of city limits. The request for $4,200,00.00 will extend the trail from Kuther Road, following the canal, to Lockington. The project also include acquiring right-of-way from property owners along the proposed route. A total of three routes are currently being explored as is the possibility of completing the project in phases over multiple years. The current project cost is estimated at $5,753,550.00.
The Miami County Parks District has committed to finishing the 2.6 miles from Lockington to the northern edge of Piqua.
Connecting the Canal Feeder Trail to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail has been a key priority of the city for numerous years. When completed, the trail system will extend from Sidney to Hamilton, Ohio, and be part of the country's largest paved trail system.
Engineer’s estimate for Phase V of the trail development was $1,901,357.00. Contractor’s bid was $1,254,874.92.