Fort Wayne, Indiana – The City Council’s Committee Session approved five infrastructure projects totaling almost $8.4 million, aimed at strengthening neighborhood streets, sidewalks, drainage and pedestrian safety.
Neighborhood infrastructure projects
Four of the projects are being led by the Public Works Division. Combined, they represent roughly $4.9 million and focus on street reconstruction, upgraded drainage systems and new sidewalks in several neighborhoods. These improvements are intended to address aging infrastructure and enhance safety for residents and commuters.
Oxford Streetscape project
The fifth project, the Oxford Streetscape, is a $3.46 million effort managed by the Community Development Division as part of Fort Wayne’s Southeast Strategy. The plan will redesign a nine‑block corridor of Oxford Street between Lafayette and Oliver streets. Construction will occur in two phases, with the first phase expected to start this fall and the entire project slated for completion by July 2027.
Planned upgrades for Oxford Street include widened sidewalks, improved lighting, better crosswalks, enhanced landscaping and upgraded storm‑water drainage. The city says more than 300 surveys from residents, business owners and regular street users, along with several community open houses, helped shape the design.
Southeast Strategy context
The Southeast Strategy, adopted in 2021, is a ten‑year plan guiding growth and investment in Fort Wayne’s southeast quadrant. According to city officials, the strategy has already attracted about $84 million in public and private investment over the past five years, and the Oxford Streetscape is a key component of that vision.
Final council approval for all five projects is expected at upcoming meetings, after which contracts will be awarded and construction will move forward.
What this means for residents
Neighborhood residents can anticipate smoother road surfaces, reduced flooding from improved drainage, and safer, more accessible sidewalks. The Oxford Streetscape is expected to boost the visual appeal of the corridor, support local businesses and provide a more inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
City officials encourage community members to stay informed through council meeting updates and public notices as the projects progress.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
