News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry announces substantial increase in transportation enhancements
Financial plan for future to more than double investment in streets and roads
(August 19, 2013) – Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by members of the Public Works Department, elected officials, and community and neighborhood leaders to discuss planned improvements to the City’s transportation system.
Today’s announcement was made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry’s Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan for the future that will assist in the $13.6 million that will be available in annual funding to assist with maintaining streets and roads without having to borrow money.
Below are highlights of planned improvements in 2014. This is a very small sample of projects for next year. The remaining projects for 2014 will be determined in the coming months. Projects are subject to change:
*50 miles of paving –
- Hillcrest neighborhood near S. Calhoun Street and Paulding Road
- Reed Road from Vance Avenue to Evard Road
- Harris Road from Goshen Road to Coliseum Boulevard
*10 miles of concrete reconstruction –
- Blackhawk Community, Blackhawk Forest, and Blackhawk Farms neighborhoods near E. State Boulevard, Maplecrest Road, Trier Road, and Lahmeyer Road
- Crestwood Colony, North Sherwood Terrace and Silver Maples, and Summerfield neighborhoods near N. Clinton Street and Washington Center Road
- Southwick Village neighborhood near Paulding Road and Wayne Trace
*Brick street improvements –
- Fourth Street from Andrew to Wells streets
- Butler Street from Webster to Harrison streets
*12 miles of chip and seal repairs
*Sidewalk enhancements, curb and ramp repairs, and street light improvements
The Public Works staff has a stringent rating system to evaluate the condition of streets and roads. Besides looking at street ratings, staff members work closely with neighborhood presidents and council members to evaluate the priorities of each council district.
“Our transportation system is critical to meeting the needs of citizens and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “By maintaining streets and roads, we’re showing a strong commitment to being a growing community that values quality of life, great neighborhoods, and a thriving business climate.”
“Public Works touches every citizen, every day. Citizens depend on our streets and roads. The additional funding will help us create a consistent replacement schedule that will be realistic for the life-span of a street,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy.
The City estimates that the maintenance to the transportation system will create over 300 construction jobs that will provide a boost to the local economy.
Today’s announcement continues a series of successes resulting from the City’s proactive approach to meeting the needs of citizens. Last month, the Fire Department announced a hiring initiative to add 15 new firefighters, the Police Department announced 20 new police officers will be hired, and the Parks Department announced plans to invest $3 million annually in various projects throughout the City’s Parks system.
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