Bridge (Not) Out Ahead?

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.