Wayne Trace improvements: Historic path gets facelift
New trees, a new turn lane, and a new sidewalk are part of the facelift of Wayne Trace between Oxford Street and McKee Street.
This important corridor has many improvements that will strengthen the neighborhood.
“Certainly the trees, sidewalk and turn lane are what people will notice, but the new stormwater pipes, drains and gutters, and the lowering of the road for drainage will greatly enhance the businesses and residences in the neighborhood,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
For years the industrial parking lots along Wayne Trace retained water after a storm because the road was higher than the lots. Now the road has been lowered and new stormwater pipes, drains and gutters are in place to better manage stormwater.
The grade of pavement has been upgraded to meet the standards of the many industrial vehicles that access the area and a center turn lane and traffic signal upgrades have been added to improve traffic flow and safety.
The project also made safety improvements for pedestrians. A new sidewalk was added on the east side of the roadway. Aesthetically, the neighborhood is improved with landscaping and the addition of 58 trees.
Creating Jobs
80 percent of the funding for the $2.5 million worth of improvements came from Federal funds. The City's portion was $600,004. It represents a tremendous return on investment for the City as $370,000 came back into the community in the form of salaries and wages for 46 workers during the four month construction project.
“What is always great about these projects is that not only are we improving and strengthening neighborhoods, but we are creating jobs and helping the economy. The money paid in salaries will be turned over again in the community as those workers spend in our stores and restaurants,” said Mayor Henry.
Beaten Path
Wayne Trace has a long history in Fort Wayne. It was once a trail used by Native Americans, and then a route used by General “Mad” Anthony Wayne and the American military in the 1790's. In the 1850's the area was paralleled by the railroad and industry grew. Wayne Trace was an import road to the area's first industrial park in the 1920's, anchored by companies such as International Truck, Rea, and Phelps Dodge.