Located approximately 15 to 20 miles south of Steubenville, Ohio, the three contiguous villages of Yorkville, Ohio, Tiltonsville, Ohio, and Rayland, Ohio, sit along the Ohio River. The communities faced several shared challenges that limited active transportation options, such as gaps in sidewalks and crosswalks along key routes and safety concerns near schools, parks and transit stops. Additionally, there was limited lighting on commonly used walking corridors, narrow railroad crossings and roadway constraints, and a lack of data documenting where people walk and bike most often.
Community leaders identified a need to better connect neighborhoods, parks, schools and local destinations while improving safety for residents who rely on walking and biking.
B&N partnered with the villages of Yorkville, Tiltonsville and Rayland to develop a comprehensive Active Transportation Plan (ATP) that improves safety, accessibility and connectivity throughout the three riverfront communities. B&N led the development of the ATP to identify practical, scalable infrastructure and non-infrastructure strategies that support safe and accessible mobility within and between the villages.
The result was a data-driven, community-centered ATP that combines infrastructure improvements with education, collaboration and long-term implementation strategies. The solution included a GIS-based digital sidewalk and crosswalk inventory to identify gaps and an analysis of walking and biking patterns using StreetLight mobility data. The project also included seventeen prioritized infrastructure recommendations, like sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, traffic calming and neighborhood traffic circles. The non-infrastructure recommendations focused on education, coordination and public engagement.
To enhance transparency and accessibility, B&N also developed an interactive online map using ArcGIS Online. This map allows residents and stakeholders to explore proposed improvements, view project details and better understand how the recommended network connects the three villages.
Community Benefit and Impact
The ATP provides a clear roadmap for improving safety and accessibility across all three villages. When implemented, the recommendations will:
- Improve safety at crossings and along walking routes
- Expand access to schools, parks, businesses and transit
- Reduce barriers for residents who depend on walking or biking
- Encourage healthier, more active lifestyles
- Strengthen community connections and overall livability
By prioritizing people-focused mobility, the plan supports long-term community vitality and helps position the villages as attractive places to live, work and grow.