Monon South Freedom Trail - Construction Begins!

Construction Begins on Monon South Freedom Trail in New Albany

Mayor Jeff Gahan is proud to announce that construction of the Monon South Freedom Trail will officially begin on Friday, August 1. This milestone marks the start of a bold new chapter in regional connectivity, recreation, and historic preservation. 

The project is part of the larger Monon South Trail, a 68-mile multi-use corridor that will eventually extend from New Albany north to Mitchell, Indiana.

Phase 1 of the Monon South Freedom Trail will begin at the Ohio River Greenway, travel through Downtown New Albany, and continue north just past Fairview Cemetery. Future phases will expand the trail to the Floyd County line, linking with the broader regional Monon South trail network.

Named in honor of the corridor’s ties to the Underground Railroad, the Monon South Freedom Trail blends history with modern investment in healthy, accessible recreation and infrastructure. 

“This is a milestone moment for our city,” said Mayor Jeff Gahan. “The Monon South Freedom Trail will connect generations… past, present, and future… and provide lasting benefits for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Key benefits of the Monon South Freedom Trail include:

🏃 New recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families

🚴 Safe, scenic alternatives for local travel and commuting

🌳 Connectivity to a 68-mile regional trail system

💵 Economic impact through tourism, local spending, and property value growth

🛤️ Historic preservation of a path once used in the pursuit of freedom

Construction crews will begin mobilizing August 1 along the Phase 1 corridor. Residents are encouraged to follow project updates and construction progress photos at: newalbanycityhall.com/msft

The Monon South Freedom Trail is funded in part through Indiana’s Next Level Trails initiative and the READI program, in partnership with Radius Indiana and other regional agencies.