A new bridge is under construction at the Kings Mills crossing of the Little Miami River. The construction began this spring with the roundabout at the east end of the new bridge. The King Avenue side is closed now that the Grandin Road construction is complete at the Cartridge Factory. The original two-lane King Bridge is shown below downstream of the new bridge.

I had a chance to explore the site recently. From the Cartridge Factory side, I reached the old bridge and walked across to the construction on the west bank of the river. A fill dirt connection to the new bridge has replaced the original hairpin turn in King Ave.
Left: Connection to New bridge facing north-east Right: Old King Ave hairpin turn facing north
The new bridge still needs a surface, but it appears that the main steel structure is complete. I don't know what type of barrier walls will be constructed, but they are also not started.
The bike path on the river's east bank is officially closed through the area. From the south, a detour is posted east on Old-3C and SR-22 back at Foster. From the north, there is an official detour many miles earlier, probably to SR-48.
But the most interesting question for me is: "When will the old bridge be dismantled?" The bridge has not been accessible by car for many months now, but I imagine it still serves as a critical crossing for construction. The only evidence I see is a curious Stop sign facing upstream paddlers - you can see it in a couple of the photos below.
This tiny experience is one of many examples and a reminder of how I have gradually come to see the world differently as an adventurer. Sometimes it's when I travel to another city alone and don't know any better. Sometimes it's when I'm with other people familiar with a specific area.
Even though I've always had a high level of natural curiosity and exploration, my steps or wheels would automatically stay on the paved surfaces, between the painted lines, and confined to the designated areas. But now, subconsciously and deliberately, I traverse through the field, abandoned lot, over the high retaining wall, or even under the road through the metal culvert. It's not a giant shift but feels authentically adventurous in the otherwise mundane.
When adventure racing, we embrace those opportunities to bike-whack, ford the river, or base-jump (just kidding). My encouragement is to enjoy the unique moments, don't hesitate, and sometimes even be willing to cross that forbidden bridge when you come to it.
If any locals have any other updates or inside info on the construction, please leave your comments.
AND....almost forgot to mention. Our Dominion Post-Race Celebration is at Cartridge Brewing in the Cartridge Factory complex shown above. For those racing, we will have awards at the park near the Finish line, then head to the restaurant for the food and refreshments. If you're not racing, join us around 4 pm on August 26.
We were crossing the old bridge and got to the end and realized that the old bridge was no longer connected to the ground. Another team yelled to us and recommended that we cross the new bridge, 2 of us turned around to try the new bridge while our 3rd teammate yelled “we’re already here!” and began scrambling down the torn up sections of the old bridge. It turned out both bridges were sketchy in their own way. 1/3 of Team This is the Way crossed the old bridge, 2/3 crossed the new bridge and 3/3 would rather cross either bridge than deal with the construction mud that was waiting for us!
The verdict is in…the old bridge demolition began on Saturday morning - the same day as the race. I know because I was there Friday afternoon and the old bridge was still intact. Somehow Dr. Joe crossed the old bridge even with a section missing. He told me the construction workers were yelling at him. And a few others crossed the New unfinished bridge! If I was faced with that predicament I hope I would have done it, but I’m not sure… Anyone have any memorable stories to share?