(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
CARROLL ROAD TRAIL – BETHEL ROAD TO MILLSTONE DRIVE
CARROLL ROAD TRAIL – FAIRGROUNDS TO LIMA ROAD
CARROLL ROAD TRAIL – LIMA ROAD TO SHEARWATER RUN
LAKE AVE TRAIL – N COLISEUM BLVD TO REED ROAD
LINCOLN HIGHWAY TRAIL – GREEN ROAD TO MINNICH ROAD
MAPLECREST ROAD SOUTH – STATE RD 930 TO SEILER RD
NORTH CLINTON STREET – ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
PUFFERBELLY TRAIL – FITCH RD TO COUNTY LINE
SCOTT ROAD TRAIL – BASS ROAD TO ILLINOIS ROAD
SIX MILE CREEK TRAIL EXTENSION
SIX MILE CREEK TRAIL – LEMAR DRIVE TO CHADWICK DRIVE
STELLHORN ROAD TRAIL – NORTHWOOD PLAZA TO EICHER DRIVE
STELLHORN ROAD TRAIL – WHEELOCK ROAD TO MAPLECREST ROAD
FRANKE PARK ROAD AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Completed Phases: 
Current Phase: Construction
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 has been bid and awarded.
The pre-construction meeting was held in early May. Road closure will go into effect May 19th. This project has a completion date of August 30th, 2025.
Updated: July 2025
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.
The project has started again and the substantial completion date has been moved to the end of 2025 from 2026.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases: 
Current Phase: Complete
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.
Project Complete
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases: 
Current Phase: Right of Way Acquisition
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.
Survey work has been ordered. Allen County Highway is currently working to deed right of way to City of Fort Wayne for the trail.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Project Complete
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.
The trail is complete.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Pre-Construction
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 was bid and awarded in November 2024.
Clearing of the right of way and utility relocation is currently progressing along. Substantial completion date is November 2026.
Updated: July 2025
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 60% stage and right of way engineering has begun.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Construction Award
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. Issues with final parcel owner resolved. The project will be bid once the final parcel is acquired and the final design of traffic signal upgrades and street lighting is complete.
This project has been bid and is being awarded in July 2025.
In April 2025, Fort Wayne Trails contributed an additional $157,000 to this project.
Updated: July 2025
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: July 2025
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. Final routing to utilities complete. The city will be adding roadway resurfacing and intersection improvements to the trail project. Bidding is planned for August 2025.
Updated: July 2025
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. Preliminary trail alignment is complete. Survey work was completed in March 2025.
Updated: July 2025
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 was completed in June. Preliminary drafting is completed. Work continues on design.
4 parcels left for acquisition.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: 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 and awarded. Construction will begin in the spring of 2025 with completion by the end of 2025.
Updated: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Preliminary Design
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.
Phase 1 – SR930 – Moeller Rd. – Working to bid in October of 2025
Phase 2 – Moeller Rd – Seiler Rd.
Updated: July 2025
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. Meetings with consultant and INDOT complete. Some slight revisions to alignment have been made and chose three sites for park benches and overlooks.
Project is set to be bid in the fall of 2025. Waiting on federal and state agency approvals and permits.
Updated: July 2025
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.
A new development is proposed for the SE corner of Maysville and Stellhorn. Developer has been asked to install the trail along their Maysville Road frontage.
Updated: July 2025
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: July 2025
Completed Phases: 
Current Phase: On Hold
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. On hold until Dekalb decides on alignment.
Updated: July 2025
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: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Railroad Coordination/ Right of Way Acquistion
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. The Highway Department is currently looking at grade separation options to put the trail over or under the railroad due to new design requirements by the railroad.
Updated: July 2025
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: July 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Survey
Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works
Description: 10ft wide trail along the south side of Tillman Road from Lemar Drive/Fellowship Missionary Church to Hessen Cassel and along the north side of Tillman Road from Hessen Cassel to Chadwick Drive, connecting with Crown Colony, Trier Ridge Park, and the new Roosevelt Reserves. A&Z Engineering has been hired to provide the location control route survey. Will begin topo survey after the route survey.
Updated: July 2025
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: January 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Design
Project Owner: City of Fort Wayne Public Works and Redevelopment Commission
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. City has reviewed and given feedback on some design alternatives at several locations. Met with DLZ and a property owner in December 2025.
Updated: January 2025
Completed Phases:
Current Phase: Construction
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.
Construction has begun. The pedestrian bridge was set in late June. Most of the trail is cute and some of the stone subbase has been placed.
Updated: July 2025