After years of planning and prep work, bike riders or those who walk on the Stavich Bike Trail in Lowellville will see that major updates have been completed.

The updated bike trail includes a wider paved path and drainage improvements along a section of the path from West Liberty Street in the village to Youngstown-Lowellville Road. 

Village administrator Joann Esenwein says the municipality did not have the funds to complete the whole trail.

"Everyone's excited about having that portion fixed," she said.

The section of the trail in Lowellville has been closed since early summer, with the old pavement being replaced and widened.

A new bridge was also installed over a creek to widen it to match the wider trail path. 

The project budget was $517,593.41 according to Esenwein. $414,074.78 came from the Transportation Alternative Program from the Ohio Department of Education. The other $103,518.63 came from local funds.

In 2019, the village conducted a feasibility study to improve the bike trail and connect it to Mill Creek Park. At the time, the report stated the path was "very rough and can create a challenging and uncomfortable ride." 

The 10-mile trail continues from Lowellville, across the border into Pennsylvania, and on to New Castle. 

Lowellville resident Willys Acosta says he's traversed the whole trail and believes it is important for the community to have access to it.

"I believe it gets people out, they can get exercise in, just enjoy the view," he said.

The renovations were part of phase one of the trail improvements. The village of Lowellville has not announced any plans for a phase two at this time.