Bridle Road Sidewalk History

With the opening of Johnson Hills Park nearly 20 years ago, Anderson Township recognized the desire to connect this destination with our very popular, and award-winning, Anderson Trails network.  Due to public input, and suggestions of the Township’s Transportation Advisory committee and planning staff, this project was incorporated into the Trails Plan Update in 2009.  Over the years, as other segments were built, this became a high priority project in the Township’s 2018 Trails Plan Update.   

In 2018, Anderson Township worked with the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office to obtain funding for the resurfacing of Bridle Road, which was slated to include the addition of a sidewalk from Whitehouse Lane to the entrance to Johnson Hills Park.  The Township authorized over $10,000 in TIF funds for the preliminary engineering of the walk in early 2019.  Due to the constraints in this area, including limited right of way and steep topography, easements were needed on private property for the construction and related grading for a sidewalk. Thus, the township worked extensively with the abutting owner, and with the help of our consultant, Choice One Engineering, to develop various options in the hope to arrive at a concept that would be acceptable to the abutting property owner, and the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office.

Ultimately, the abutting property owner was not willing to grant the necessary easements.  Throughout the 25-year history of the Trails program, the support of abutting owners (particularly when private property is needed) has been a critical component to advancing projects and the successful implantation of nearly 50 projects.  This approach has enabled the Township to build over 20 miles of sidewalks and trails since the late 1990s that has redefined our community.  However, there have been areas where the construction of sidewalk is not possible. That is the case for this section of Bridle Road, and due to private property owner rights and legal concerns, eminent domain to “take” the necessary property is not something Anderson Township or Hamilton County has utilized for sidewalk or trail construction.

Anderson Township remains committed and interested in advancing this project, and linking the park the Trails network, should a future opportunity arise.  The Township's 2023 Trails Plan Update also has a longer term recommendation for a sidewalk on Little Dry Run connecting to Bridle Road/Johnson Park.  For more information click HERE (and see page 37).