PROJECT LIST FOR 2018 WAITING FOR FINALIZATION – Message From The Mayor

I recently joined the Public Works Division to celebrate the 2017 construction season, which saw $25 million invested in neighborhoods throughout the City of Fort Wayne. Similar improvements in hundreds of neighborhoods across the City will take place in 2018 as $30 million is planned to be invested in neighborhood infrastructure, an investment that includes additional funding for alleys and sidewalks.

2017 highlights:
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 replaced
740 miles of painted roadway lines, crosswalks, curbs and turn arrows

While the project list for 2018 is still being finalized, corridor improvements to North Anthony Boulevard, State Boulevard and Dupont Road will take place next year. Next year will also include neighborhood association improvements in Caribe Colony Community, Greater McMillen Park, Deerfield Estates, North Franke Park, Pine Valley and Lima Valley.

Old Decatur and Hessen Cassel roads will see new sidewalks added in 2018 and our trail network will expand with extensions on Hanna Street, the Pufferbelly Trail between State Boulevard and Fourth Street, the Pufferbelly between Ludwig and Washington Center roads, and on Maysville Road.

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Strong and successful cities need neighborhood investments and that’s why one of my top priorities has been to invest in street, sidewalk, trail and lighting improvements as well as neighborhood business districts. In the last four years alone we’ve invested more $100 million in infrastructure enhancements, and we’re committed to making additional improvements again in 2018.

In addition, Shan Gunawardena has been promoted to director of the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division.

Shan has served as city engineer since 2012 and began his service with the City in 2007 and has held positions of traffic engineer and assistant city engineer. He also has experience as senior transportation engineer and project manager with Bonar Group and seven years of service with the Indiana Department of Transportation in leadership positions. Shan has also served as a guest lecturer for IPFW’s Department of Engineering.

Under Shan’s leadership in the Public Works Division, the City has invested record amounts in neighborhood infrastructure enhancements. He’s overseen 30 projects that have improved safety and drivability in neighborhoods and arterial streets and roads in all quadrants of the City. He’s also led innovative approaches to using new technologies and best practices to position Fort Wayne as a leader in proactive transportation strategies to benefit motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Shan is a public servant dedicated to ensuring our transportation system is safe and efficient. I appreciate and respect his professionalism, experience, attention to detail and commitment to meeting the needs of residents, neighborhoods and businesses. Shan’s leadership skills, expertise in engineering and ability to bring out the best in others are unique qualities to lead the City’s Public Works Division in the right direction. He will do a great job in his new role.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have a lot to be thankful for as we work together to keep the positive momentum and investments moving forward to make Fort Wayne the best city possible.