New traffic signals went live Monday, Sept. 21, at the Little Miami Scenic Trail crossing on West Loveland Avenue in downtown Loveland.

The signals replace the old pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk system that had been in place at the busy crossing. Crossing guards previously worked high-volume events to manage traffic at the spot. That system is gone.

The new setup includes two types of signals: traditional overhead traffic lights for vehicles and separate signals for trail users, WLWT reported. Together, the system controls traffic automatically and sets right of way at the crossing.

The downtown signal is synchronized with nearby traffic lights at State Route 48 and Karl Brown Way to keep vehicle traffic moving through the corridor, the city said in a Sept. 11 alert. The city described the system as coordinating vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at the trail crossing.

Cyclists and pedestrians now follow traditional pedestrian signals. That means waiting for the walk signal before crossing and stopping when the hand signal appears. The old system let trail users activate the flashing crosswalk on demand.

Loveland Police Department officers are stationed at the crossing during the transition period to help trail users and drivers adjust to the new pattern. The city urged caution from everyone passing through the area while people get used to the change.

The city's official X account announced on Thursday, Sept. 17, that the signals were nearly ready and would be fully active starting Monday, Sept. 21.

Loveland received a grant to fund the automated signal system, according to a city announcement. Design work ran from 2023 to 2024. The city's construction projects page had originally estimated installation for spring 2025. The city has not explained the delay.

A related project funded by the Ohio Rail Development Commission is upgrading railroad preemption equipment at West Loveland Avenue and Karl Brown Way, West Loveland Avenue and Second Street, and Broadway Street and Second Street. That project ties into the new trail-crossing signal.

The city has not said how long officers will remain on site or when the implementation period ends. Residents with questions can contact the city engineer's office at (513) 707-6114.