OTHER TRAIL PROJECTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

What It Takes to Build A Trail

From the first time someone thinks, “Hey, this is a great spot for a trail,” to its construction, almost all public, multipurpose trails go through these phases on their road to completion. Not all phases run congruent to each other and many times phases are happening at the same time. 

 

Resource Development


(2-5 years): Figuring out whether there are enough cash resources, partners, and public desire for a proposed stretch of trail. How much does it cost? Each mile of trail averages between $1,000,000-1,200,000.

Pre-Engineering/ Study


(3-6 months): Let’s take a serious look at this proposed section, and determine whether there will be any obstacles. Is there a wetland, or a creek? Which side of the road will have the greatest benefit, and least impact? What is the grade? Are there resources like mature trees we’d like to work around? The partners in the project visit the site several times with engineering experts, to determine how best to create the new trail.

Engineering & Design


 

(6-12 months): Once the Pre-engineering decisions are made, experienced engineers create the construction “blueprints” for the actual project, taking into consideration all of the questions addressed above.

 

 

 

 

Bidding


(3-6 months): Projects that are being completed by municipalities and/or using public resources from local, state, and federal sources must follow statutes regarding open bidding for these projects.

Right-Of-Way Acquisition


(1-2 years): With a final plan and the funds in place, the partners can approach property owners to acquire the needed permission to proceed with the project. This includes the purchasing of right-of-way or donation by property owner, the granting of easements, and so forth.

Trail Construction


 (6-9 months): The construction phase includes relocating utilities as needed and installing the trail. Building a trail requires the same preliminary work as building a road.

Restoration Work


 (3-6 months): Once the trail construction is completed, the entire project gets a face lift, with fresh grass seedings, landscaping and trees as called for in the specific project, benches, signage, etc.

Current Fort Wayne Trails Assisted Projects

Other Trail Projects In Our Community

Recently Completed Trail Projects

Other Trail Projects in our Community

ANTHONY BLVD - CREIGHTON AVE TO PONTIAC ST (.3mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:          

Current Phase: Bidding

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Community Development

Description: Streetscape project that includes upgrading pedestrian facilities, ADA improvements, and new lighting. Trail will be on the west side and sidewalk on the east side. Project will be bid in November 2024.

Updated: November 2024

BASS ROAD - SCOTT ROAD TO HADLEY ROAD (1.85mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:          

Current Phase: Construction

Project Owner: Allen County

Description: The Allen County Highway Department is building a 10′ wide multi-purpose trail along Bass Road as part of the road-widening project in several phases between 2020 and 2026. This trail will be constructed along the south side of the road between Scott Road and Hadley Road. ROW appraisals are complete. The project was bid in March 2023. Hadley to Wescott is under construction with an anticipated completion date of mid 2024. The section from Wescot Ridge to Scott Rd construction will begin in 2024  with an estimated completion date of 2025. The bridge over the Durnell Ditch is under construction as of March 2023 and has a completion date of 5/31/2024. Working on the roundabout at Bass Rd and Scott Rd. Clearing right of way and moving utilities. Project will shut down in November and pick up for construction in the spring of 2025.

Updated: November 2024

CARROLL ROAD TRAIL - BETHEL ROAD TO MILLSTONE DRIVE

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Construction

Project Owner:  Huntertown

Description: 8ft trail on both sides of Carroll Rd from the existing trail on Bethel Rd to Millstone Dr. The trail on the north side of Carroll Rd will also connect to the fairgrounds. INDOT has awarded the project to E&B Paving. Pre-construction meeting has been held. The road expansion is slated for substantial completion in the fall of 2024 with the trail and pedestrian facilities in the spring of 2025. Trail has been paved but still needs ADA ramps.

Updated: November 2024

 

CARROLL ROAD TRAIL - FAIRGROUNDS TO LIMA ROAD

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Survey

Project Owner:  City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description:  8′ asphalt trail from the west property line of the Allen County Fairgrounds to Lima Road/S3.

Survery work has been ordered. County has agreed to deed right of way to the City at the old Byron Health Center

Updated: November 2024

CARROLL ROAD TRAIL - LIMA ROAD TO SHEARWATER RUN

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Construction

Project Owner:  Huntertown

Description: 8ft trail on the north side of Carroll Rd and sidewalk on the south side. The trail will connect to the existing trail on Carroll Rd and to the Pufferbelly Trail once an additional road construction project is completed including a round-a-bout at Carroll Rd and Shearwater Run. INDOT has awarded this project to E&B Paving. Pre-construction meeting has been held. Project is under construction and expected to continue through the end of 2024. The road expansion is slated for substantial completion in the fall of 2024 with the trail and pedestrian facilities in the spring of 2025

Updated: November 2024

DIEBOLD ROAD TRAIL (.36 mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Right of Way Acquisition

Project Owner:  Allen County/City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: A road widening project with trail on the west side of Diebold and a sidewalk on the east side. The project will extend from the existing trail to Clinton Street. Right-of-way acquisition started in March 2021. Several parcels are in condemnation causing delays to the schedule. Utility relocation is underway with AEP moving first, followed by the other utilities. The project is planned to be bid in November 2024.

Updated: November 2024

 

Goshen Road Improvements - Franke Park to Butler Road (.34mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:            

Current Phase: Engineering

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: This road improvement project will include trail from the new entrance of Franke Park to a new roundabout at the intersection of Butler and Harris on the north side of the road. Plans at the 50% stage

Updated: November 2024

Hanna Street Trail - Wallace St to Berry St (.74mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:            

Current Phase: Appraising

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: This project will be an 8-foot wide concrete trail on the east side of Hanna St from Wallace St to E Berry St.  The survey work is complete. Engineering has begun. Right-of-way engineering has begun and title work has been ordered. Appraising has begun.

Updated: November 2024

Hillegas Road Trail - W State Blvd to W Coliseum Blvd (1.35mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:        

Current Phase: Right of way

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: This is a federally-funded, two-phased project with a 10 ft. trail on the east side and 5 ft. sidewalk on the west side of Hillegas Road. The first phase is Butler to Coliseum and the second phase will be State to Butler. Phase one is estimated 2025/2026, and phase two is estimated 2026/2027.

Buying of right of way has begun.

Updated: November 2024

Illinois Road Trail - Rockhill Park to Getz Road (1.99mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Final Design

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works, Redevelopment Commission

Description: This project was started in 2011, but lacks funding for construction. The project is 80% designed. The project is moving forward with the acquisition of the last 4 parcels to get this project shovel-ready in hopes of securing funding assistance. The city was awarded a $1 million Next Level Trails grant from the State of Indiana for this project. Right of way acquisition is complete for this project. Project will be bid in December 2024.

Updated: November 2024

JULIETTE AVE - HALE AVE TO RIVERGREENWAY (.23mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:           

Current Phase: Design

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description:  The Rivergreenway currently share the road with parking on both sides. Trail will be built on the west side of the St. Mary’s River eliminating the need to use Juliette Ave. City Utilities recently completed the trail between Brown St and Hale Ave as part of another project. Right-of-way acquisition is underway. Some survey work is complete and will finish are preliminary trail alignment is created.

Updated: November 2024

LAKE AVE TRAIL - N COLISEUM BLVD TO REED ROAD (.32mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:           

Current Phase: Design

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description:  Trail from Coliseum Blvd to Reed Road. Concordia Church and School has already constructed .13 miles of the trail. The City will construct the trail on the north side of Lake Ave completing the two sections east and west of the existing trail. Working on the right-of-way acquisition. Survey work completed in June. Pre-liminary design ready to begin.

Updated: November 2024

LINCOLN HIGHWAY TRAIL - GREEN ROAD TO MINNICH ROAD (.52mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:           

Current Phase: Pre-construction

Project Owner: New Haven

Description:  Eight – ten foot wide asphalt trail on the south side of Lincoln Highway from Green Rd. to Minnich Rd.  All but one parcel are city owned. The project is designed and has been bid. Construction will begin in the spring of 2025 with completion by the end of 2025.

Updated: November 2024

MAPLECREST ROAD SOUTH - STATE RD 930 TO SEILER RD (1.5mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:            

Current Phase: INDOT Review

Project Owner: New Haven, NIRCC

Description: Project limits will be SR 930 to Seiler Road. City of New Haven is reviewing consultants’ letters of interest. The project will hopefully include trails on both sides of Maplecrest and possibly a roundabout at Seiler Road. INDOT is working on review work.

Updated: November 2024

Maumee Pathway Realignment (.63mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Engineering

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works partnering with City Utilities

Description: The section of the Rivergreenway along the Maumee River just east of Coliseum Blvd, adjacent to the former Lakeside Golf Course will be moved to the north and rerouted away from the river due to flooding issues and eroding riverbank. Notice to proceed was given to Earth Source in late December 2023. Meetings with design firm have begun in May. Wetland delineation completed. Meeting with consultant in November 2024.

Updated: November 2024

 

Maysville Road Trail - Stellhorn to Maysville Circle (.65mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: On Hold

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works, Redevelopment Commission

Description: A 10 ft. trail on the east side of Maysville Rd that will provide a connection between the Maysville Rd Trail, Landin Rd Trail, and the Rivergreenway. Topographic survey work is complete and design is set to begin. Plans are 90% complete. Project is on hold.

Updated: November 2024

 

N. Clinton St - Road Improvement Project (2.82mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Preliminary Engineering

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, NIRCC

Description: Road widening project from north of Auburn Road to Mayhew/ Tonkle. The trail will be on the east side and sidewalk on the west side. This project will likely be bid in three phases. Stage 1 drawings are complete. Negotiations are underway. Notice to proceed this fall. NEPA Environmental Study is underway and engineering has begun.

The estimated phase timeline, phase 1 in 2027, phase 2 2028/2029, phase 3 timeline is unknown at this time.

Updated: November 2024

Pufferbelly Trail - Fitch Road to County Line (.5 mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Bidding

Project Owner: Allen County

Description: 12′ wide trail from Fitch Rd to the DeKalb County Line following Fitch Rd and County Rd 9A. The project is designed and all right of way is complete. Funding budgeted for 2024 was needed for another project. Funding may be available in 2025

Updated: November 2024

Rivergreenway - St. Marys Pathway Re-Alignment; Thieme Drive (.36 mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Engineering

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works and City Utilities

Description: A new flood wall will be built along the west side of Thieme Drive from Main Street to Washington Blvd. A new 8-10′ trail will be built on top of the wall, moving the current alignment from the sharrow on Thieme Drive to a separate trail segment. This project will begin after City Utilities completes its drop shaft project on Thieme Drive. This project will not be constructed until funding is identified.

Updated: November 2024

Scott Road Trail - Bass Road To Illinois Road (1mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Railroad Coordination

Project Owner: Allen County

Description: Trail on the west side of Scott Road from Bass Road to Illinois Rd/ State Route 14. Currently, the County is coordinating this project with the railroad. Trails right of way is planned to be acquired in 2024 with construction estimated to begin in 2025. Survey work is complete.

Updated: November 2024

SIX MILE CREEK TRAIL EXTENSION (4.8mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: On Hold

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: This project continues the Six Mile Creek Trail from Lemar Drive to Chadwick Drive. The trail will be on the south side from Lemar to Hessen Cassel and then switch to the north side from Hessen Cassel to Chadwick Drive, where it will connect with Crown Colony. A new residential and commercial development is planned on the north side of Tillman called Roosevelt Reserves. They may build part of the trail.

The rest of the extension includes trail north along Crown Colony and then east connecting to Southwick Elementary. From there the trail will cross Wayne Trace where it will connect to Paul Harding Junior High School. The trail will continue north to E Paulding Rd, east to Adams Center Rd, and then north to Seiler Rd.

This project is on hold while additional funding sources and grant opportunities are explored.

Updated: November 2024

STELLHORN ROAD TRAIL - NORTHWOOD PLAZA TO EICHER DRIVE (.32mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Right of way

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: Eight-foot-wide trail that will extend from the Northwood Plaza to the AEP corridor just east of Eicher Drive on the north side of Stellhorn Road. The trail project also includes a sidewalk from Eicher Drive to Reed Road. Right of way acquisition has begun. This project will connect with the Northeast Trail and the Maplecrest Road Trail.

Updated: November 2024

Stellhorn Road Trail - Wheelock Road to Maplecrest Road (1.8mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Design

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works

Description: Project limits will be from east of Maplecrest Road to west of Wheelock Road on the north side. City has received 30% plans. The city walked the trail corridor with DLZ on 9/30. Utility coordination has begun.

Updated: November 2024

Wheelock Road Trail - Jefferson Middle School to Stellhorn Rd (.67mi)

Project Status


Completed Phases:             

Current Phase: Land Acquisition

Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works and Redevelopment

Description: 8ft – 10ft wide asphalt trail on the west side of Wheelock Rd extending from the trail completed in 2020 to the existing trail at Stellhorn Rd and Wheelock Rd. Trail design is 98% complete. Work on right-of-way engineering continues and appraising is complete. City Utilities and AEP have begun relocations. Project is planned to be bid in the winter of 2024.

Updated: November 2024