Cincinnati Selected Woolpert for Tunnel Study

The city has awarded a contract to evaluate the potential reuse of abandoned tunnels beneath Central Parkway.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of arched subway tunnel infrastructure in cool tones, representing city development and infrastructure feasibility studies. — Cincinnati has awarded a $284,073 contract to Woolpert Inc. to evaluate the feasibility of repurposing abandoned subway tunnels beneath Central Parkway. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cincinnati has selected Woolpert Inc. to lead a $284,073 feasibility study regarding the future of the city's 2.2-mile abandoned subway tunnel located under Central Parkway. The project aims to determine viable paths for repurposing the dormant infrastructure.

Why it matters

The study marks a formal step by the city to address the long-standing status of its underground subway tunnels by identifying potential uses and analyzing the necessary costs for cleanup and development.

The city received eight total proposals for the project, with the selected Woolpert Inc. contract costing $284,073. Competing bids included $370,700 from Arup, $561,500 from Stantec, $867,500 from GBBN, and over $996,000 from Transdev North America.

The players

Woolpert Inc.

This engineering and design firm is the lead partner selected to conduct the feasibility study for the abandoned tunnels.

Strand Associates Inc.

This firm is one of the key partners collaborating with Woolpert Inc. on the city tunnel project.

Megen Construction

This company is serving as a project partner to assist in analyzing construction and cleanup requirements.

The details

Woolpert Inc. will spearhead the effort in partnership with Strand Associates Inc., Megen Construction, ASC Group, and Gibraltar Development Corp. The final report will evaluate potential revitalization options while providing a detailed analysis of the costs required for site cleanup and reuse.

The city issued a request for proposals during the fall of 2024.
The firm selection was officially reported on October 2, 2026.
The completed feasibility study is expected in early 2027.

Market Landscape

This project represents a broader effort by the city to revitalize dormant municipal infrastructure that has remained largely untouched for decades. By commissioning professional feasibility studies, the city is positioning itself to evaluate potential economic development against significant structural restoration costs.

Residents may see increased activity or site investigations occurring near the Central Parkway area as the project progresses. The study will eventually provide the public with a clearer picture of whether these tunnels will be repurposed for future civic or commercial use.

The takeaway

The study serves as a critical diagnostic tool to determine if the 2.2-mile tunnel can be safely salvaged for public or private enterprise. Local stakeholders should look for the final report in 2027 to understand the long-term feasibility of these underground assets.