[UPDATE] 1/1/12 - Two lanes on bridge are now open.
One of the three lanes on Clinton will be closed for the next 10 to 12 weeks to allow contractors to complete the bridge's lighting. The bridge project is expected to be complete this spring.
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Detour planned for US 27/Clinton Street Beginning Monday, January 16
Closed for two weeks, weather permitting
Downtown Still Open for Business
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Construction of the new gateway Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge enters a new phase next week as crews begin placing the signature overhead steel arches. To accommodate the construction, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the City of Fort Wayne will close off US 27/Clinton Street at the bridge beginning Monday, January 16. The closure is scheduled for two weeks, weather permitting.
The official detour is east on SR 930/Coliseum Boulevard to Washington Boulevard west (Cloverleaf Interchange). Westbound Washington Boulevard will return to US 27 Downtown Fort Wayne. Truck traffic and especially semi-trucks are encouraged to use the official detour due to several 90 degree turns on a local detour, which utilizes 4th Street, Harrison Street and Superior Street. (map attached below)
The City of Fort Wayne’s local detour will make it easy to access downtown businesses. It begins at Clinton Street and 4th Street and follows 4th Street west to Harrison Street, then south on Harrison to Superior Street and east on Superior back to Clinton. Harrison and 4th Streets will be temporarily redirected as One-Way Streets during this construction period. (map attached below)
The two overhead arches consist of 80 pieces of structural steel and will be constructed in sections. The entire process will take approximately two weeks, weather permitting. This process could take longer if the weather becomes problematic. The top of the arch will be 50 feet above the bridge deck. The breath-taking bridge connects to downtown, Lawton Park, the Rivergreenway, and Headwaters Park. It will have sidewalks on both sides with seating halfway across the river and plaques with quotes from Dr. King attached to the railings. (click to see pictures)
When the bridge is re-opened to traffic, two of the four lanes will be restricted for 2-3 months. The restriction is due to continued illumination work on the bridge.
The project will be complete in the spring.
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Official_Detour_-_non_local_traffic.pdf