Residents of the Fairfield Terrace Belmont Neighborhood joined Mayor Sharon Tucker, neighborhood leaders and City Utilities’ staff today to highlight projects planned and underway in 2026.
Fort Wayne City Utilities news release:
$91M in Utility Investments Target Neighborhood Infrastructure
System data analysis and resident input guide 5-year planBelmont improvements reflect 2026 neighborhood upgrades
- $3.3M Belmont drainage project
- Projects launching across the city in 2026
- Kicks off 5-year neighborhood investment plan
- 70 miles of drinking water mains, 60 miles of sewer lining
- 50 major drainage projects planned
- Built on 2 years of community input
Fort Wayne, Indiana (April 14, 2026) – Residents of the Fairfield Terrace Belmont Neighborhood joined Mayor Sharon Tucker, neighborhood leaders and City Utilities’ staff today to highlight projects planned and underway in 2026. The work represents plans to bid more than $91 million in investment focused on drainage improvements, replacement of aging infrastructure, and neighborhood-enhancing projects across the city.
The announcement builds on two years of community engagement, during which City Utilities met with residents, shared system data and assessed needs across neighborhoods. The insights and information gained were critically analyzed and used to guide where improvements are most needed.
“It’s going to be a banner year as we invest financial resources to enhance neighborhoods and the quality of life in Fort Wayne with critical projects to move our community forward,” said Mayor Tucker. “I value that everything City Utilities does is aimed at strengthening our neighborhoods while also protecting public health, the environment, and supporting economic growth.”
“We’ve spent the last two years sharing data with residents and showing where the needs are across our system,” said Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities. “These projects are driven by that analysis and focused on solving real issues in neighborhoods.”
Fairfield Terrace Belmont project targets standing water, drainage issues
$3.3 million stormwater improvements will begin late this spring on Belmont Drive, where residents have experienced repeated flooding during heavy rains.
The project includes:
- Storm sewer along Belmont Drive (Calhoun to Fairfield)
- Connections to existing infrastructure
- Improved street and right-of-way drainage
- Additional stormwater storage
- New curbs and sidewalks
The sidewalk and curb improvements are in coordination with Public Works, which will fund a portion of the work above ground. The work will focus on curbs to direct water and on sidewalks impacted by chronic standing water and drainage issues.
A future phase will extend improvements toward the Paulding/Calhoun area.
City Utilities’ commitment over the next five years is compelling and citywide. It encompasses replacing 70 miles of drinking water mains, lining 60 miles of sewer pipes, which extends their life by 75 to 100 years and reduces disruption compared to full replacement, and 50 larger neighborhood stormwater projects.
In addition to the Belmont project, 2026 calls for several drainage and stormwater improvements to begin, including Spartan Drive, Tamarack (Phase I), Bloomingdale, West Jefferson Boulevard, Branning and Fairfield, Bullerman Drain (Phase I), Centerhurst (Phase II), Country Club Gardens (already underway), Pierson Drain, and Lincolndale. A stormwater pipe extension is also planned in Bloomingdale.
Water system improvements will take place across multiple neighborhoods. Water main replacement projects are planned in the East Central, Brookside Park, Eastland Gardens, Campus Court Addition, Bass–Leesburg, South Suburban Civic neighborhoods and along South Anthony Boulevard, East Wayne Street and Lake Avenue. Water main extensions will occur along Airport Expressway, Crescent Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard, Fleetwood Avenue and Bass Road.
Private lead line replacements—connecting older homes to City Utilities’ system—will be underway in West Central, East Central, Oxford, Bloomingdale, Poplar and Hamilton neighborhoods.
Sewer service work will see around 10 miles of pipe, lined in areas throughout the city. Additionally, a sewer pipe replacement will occur on Trentman Avenue, a force main on St. Joe Center Road, and sewer main extensions on Fleetwood Avenue and Airport Expressway. Sewer separation projects will occur near Indiana Tech and on Westbrook.
Some projects are already underway, with others to be bid later this year—including some that will take multiple years.
About City Utilities
City Utilities is a locally owned, not-for-profit utility that reinvests every dollar back into systems that support infrastructure improvements, strengthen neighborhoods, and deliver reliable service. That work is backed by national recognition for award-winning drinking water and continued progress in protecting Fort Wayne’s rivers.
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