Fort Wayne is gearing up for a major overhaul of four major roads in its southeastern sector. The city recently received a $3.8 million federal grant from the 2024 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will kickstart traffic safety upgrades to curb speeding and hopefully reduce car accidents in the area.
What roads are being upgraded?
The project will focus on South Anthony Boulevard, Paulding Road, Fairfield Avenue, and East Tillman Road. Over the past few years, these thoroughfares have been identified as hotspots for traffic collisions.
Between 2018 and 2022, these four roads had 1,511 crashes, resulting in seven fatalities and 544 injuries. The Indiana State Police's Automated Reporting Information Exchange System highlighted several contributing factors, including failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, veering off the road, improper turns, and excessive speed.
How will the city implement these traffic safety upgrades?
Fort Wayne's traffic safety upgrades will include narrowing the roads and lowering speed limits to calm traffic flow. The city also plans to create separate walkways for pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, the project will introduce on-street parking and eliminate the need for drivers to navigate large lots.
City Engineer Patrick Zaharako envisions transforming the area from a mere pass-through to a vibrant community where people stop, shop, work, and live. The upgrades aspire to make the roads more accessible and safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The project doesn't stop at safety improvements. Fort Wayne seeks to encourage modes of travel that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
While a detailed timeline remains to be announced, the RAISE grant will fully cover the engineering costs. Once the project design is complete and construction costs are estimated, Fort Wayne's Public Works Division plans to apply for an additional construction grant through the RAISE program.
How will these traffic safety upgrades reshape Fort Wayne's southeast?
According to Mayor Sharon Tucker, investing in local infrastructure can help Fort Wayne become the best city possible for residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. In a statement, she credited the Public Works Division for securing federal funding to drive these improvements.
Fort Wayne strives to transition its southeastern sector from a high-speed corridor to a thriving community hub by implementing these traffic safety upgrades. The improvements will create safer streets, promote diverse transportation options, and foster sustainable development.
Take the first step toward justice after a Fort Wayne car accident
The Fort Wayne car accident lawyers at Glaser & Ebbs applaud any efforts to make our streets safer. However, in light of these traffic safety upgrades, traffic accidents can still happen due to human error. If you've been injured in a crash, it's important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Our experienced legal team has extensive knowledge of Indiana's fault-based insurance system and can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are well-equipped to investigate your accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. That includes a $1.7 million jury verdict for a serious car/pedestrian accident case and a $1.5 million settlement for a truck accident case.
Don't let the stress of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance claims overwhelm you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay any upfront fees for our services. You also pay nothing unless we get a successful outcome for your case.