FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – City leaders celebrated the completion of a project aimed at making a southside area safer. The City says the Paulding Road Improvements Project in the Fairfield Terrace Neighborhood helps the flow of traffic for motorists and pedestrians while making the area simply look a lot nicer.
The following was released on Thursday:
Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker joined by residents, nearby business owners, school officials and representatives from the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division, celebrated the completion of the Paulding Road Improvements Project in the Fairfield Terrace Neighborhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Paulding Road accommodates an estimated 15,000 vehicles per day. The project focused on the reconstruction of Paulding Road, extending from Fairfield Avenue to Noll Avenue. This project was designed to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and revitalize the area.
Project highlights:
Lane Reduction and Reconfiguration: Paulding Road was redesigned with three lanes: one lane in each direction and a central bi-directional turn lane. This change streamlines traffic flow and facilitates safer turning movements.
South Side Improvements: The south side of Paulding Road features new driveway approaches and a curb face walk, improving access and pedestrian pathways.
North Side Enhancements: A new grass park strip and upgraded sidewalks have been added on the north side, along with reconfigured driveway approaches for better usability.
Lighting, landscaping, and public art: Enhanced lighting illuminates the corridor, and a new monument was constructed at the southwest corner of Paulding Road and Fairfield Avenue to serve as a traffic-calming gateway. Additionally, a monument that doubles as a bench has been placed in front of Kettler Park. The project includes artwork on the median of Paulding Road, close to Fairfield Avenue, and landscaping for all the green spaces.
ADA Access and Safety: The project integrates ADA access and pedestrian safety features throughout the corridor.
Traffic Signal Upgrades: At the intersection of Paulding Road and South Calhoun Street, the traffic signal has been updated from a split-phase to a traditional signal with protected left turns, optimizing traffic flow despite reduced lanes.
Sidewalk Addition: A new sidewalk was constructed on the west side of Fairfield Avenue, between the entrance into Woodhurst Condos and south to Candlelite Court, to better accommodate transit users. Future long-range plans include extending the sidewalk on Fairfield to the north, where it currently ends at Fairfax Avenue, and also to the south down to Lower Huntington Road.
“It’s encouraging to see how much progress we’re making with neighborhood-focused infrastructure upgrades,” said Mayor Tucker. “As I visit with residents and business owners and walk in neighborhoods throughout Fort Wayne, a common theme is the importance of continuing to make investments in our streets and roads. The Paulding Road effort is a great example of how we worked together as a community to complete a project that meets current and future transportation needs.”
The project investment was $5.1 million. 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.
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