INVESTING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS WITH SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS – Message From The Mayor

The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division and I recently unveiled the list of 2017 transportation infrastructure projects that will enhance mobility, improve safety and strengthen neighborhoods.

Nearly 500 individual projects in more than 130 neighborhoods will be visible throughout the spring, summer and fall and in all parts of the City.

2017 investment includes:
41.5 miles of asphalt resurfacing
5.7 miles of concrete reconstruction
9.2 miles of concrete walks
14 miles of concrete curbs
11 miles of trails
768 concrete ramps
3,000 faded traffic signs to be replaced
740 miles of painted roadway lines, crosswalks, curbs and turn arrows

Active transportation, by foot or on bike, also remains an important part of our transportation network. In the past 10 years, we’ve increased connectivity by adding nearly 40 miles of City trails, 38 miles of new sidewalks and eight miles of bike lanes.

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This year, the Fort Wayne regional trail network will grow to 100 miles with 80 of those miles in the City. This year, nearly 11 miles of City trails will begin construction including Bluffton Road, multiple portions of the Pufferbelly Trail and the Hanna Street Trail.

Also this year, new sidewalks will offer connectivity on Jefferson Boulevard, Lake Avenue and portions of Washington Center Road and new bike lanes will be constructed on Hobson Road and Fairfield Avenue.

We will also add new crosswalks and crossing lights in a few school zones that need an upgrade.

Over the last four years, we’ve committed $100 million to improving the City’s 1,200 miles of streets, 1,600 miles of sidewalks and growing our trail network.

The 2017 investment is nearly $25 million.

Neighborhoods are the backbone of our City. It’s critical that we invest in projects that will have a lasting and meaningful impact. Successful cities must have an infrastructure system that works effectively. Making street, road, sidewalk, ADA ramp and street lighting enhancements demonstrates our commitment to neighborhoods and positions Fort Wayne as a point of destination for businesses and residents.

The infrastructure investments being made in neighborhoods this year are not part of the proposal to adjust the local income tax to enhance neighborhood sidewalks and alleys and riverfront development. If the income tax is adjusted, projects that would be made possible through that change would begin in 2018.
Visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/invest for more information about 2017 projects.