FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Wednesday, Mayor Sharon Tucker, joined by residents, nearby business owners, and representatives from the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division, celebrated the completion of the Bluffton Road Bridge reconstruction project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Bluffton Road Bridge, which crosses over the St. Marys River, was originally constructed in 1986 and had a poor rating due to a load limit of 12 tons. The reconstruction project, which began with public federal funding in 2020, enhances travel and safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
The City put out the following:
The completed project includes:
New superstructure (new support beams)
New pier caps
New concrete deck
New pedestrian see-through railing
Improved bridge ends
Better bridge drainage
Improved intersection at Broadway and Bluffton
New trails over bridge (widened from 5’ to over 8’)
Eight overlook areas
Barrier between vehicles and pedestrians on bridge
Ornamental lighting on the barrier wall
Improved and ADA compliant crosswalks
Scour protection in the river (new rip-rap)
New trail under the bridge with lighting
Improved landscaping areas
Trail/sidewalk roundabout at the SW corner of bridge
The project investment was $8.25 million, with 80% coming from a Federal Highway Administration grant.
Here are some interesting facts about the Bluffton Road Bridge Project:
The bridge deck and trail required just over 830 square yards of concrete.
The bridge deck utilized 274,184 lbs. of structural steel.
A total of 664.4 square yards of sidewalk were completed, including a new curb ramp at the Vesey Avenue and Broadway intersection to improve pedestrian safety.
830.05 tons of new asphalt were installed.
This year the Public Works Division is investing $37 million in neighborhood infrastructure improvements to enhance the local transportation system and improve the quality of life for residents. Since 2014, the City has invested more than $419 million in neighborhood infrastructure enhancements.
“Investing in our local infrastructure sends a strong message that we care about the safety of the community as the public uses multiple methods of travel to move around Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tucker. “We know an effective and efficient transportation system enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors and helps businesses succeed.”
More information can be found here
Comments