March 25, 2025 - Mayor Sharon Tucker and Public Works Division leaders today announced $41.4 million in neighborhood infrastructure improvements will occur throughout the community this construction season.
Officials highlighted the Leesburg Road Extension Project, located in the Nebraska Neighborhood. Construction on the first phase of this project began in January. The objective is to improve safety, extend Leesburg Road to West Jefferson Boulevard, and add a stoplight at the intersection with West Jefferson near SweetCars. The project will also bring ADA-compliant sidewalks, drainage improvements, street lighting, and urban landscaping. The new roundabout, which will be constructed at the intersection of West Main Street and Leesburg in 2026, will also receive a public art sculpture known as the Wounded Veterans Memorial Monument. The project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2026. More information: engage.cityoffortwayne.org/leesburg-road-extension
In 2025, residents and businesses will see a continuation of the City's commitment to neighborhood infrastructure projects with a planned investment of $41.4 million, which includes $31.6 million for streets/roads/bridges, $7.5 million for sidewalks and alleys, and $2.3 million for trails. Since 2014, the City has invested more than $382 million in neighborhood infrastructure enhancements.
Neighborhood infrastructure highlights (a complete listing of 2025 investments are attached to this news release):
*$325K - sidewalk repairs (50% cost share)
*$1.5M - miscellaneous concrete repairs, including in-house work
*$500K - curb repairs
*$400K - trip hazard elimination & levelling
*$500K - ADA curb ramp packages
*$250K - guardrail and attenuator repairs
*4 major arterial improvement projects
*8 neighborhood street rehab projects
*33.8 miles of contracted asphalt resurfacing (includes several multi-lane arterials)
*8 miles of asphalt in-house resurfacing
*3 bridge rehab/replacement projects
*1 brick alley repair project
*12 concrete alley replacements
*5 new sidewalk construction projects
*4 new trail projects and 2 new trailhead projects
*10 traffic projects
*14 street lighting projects
*7.7 miles of chip and seal to asphalt conversions
*34 projects in study, design, permitting or land acquisition stage
Projects carried forward from 2024
*1 trail project
*3 neighborhood rehab/reconstruction projects
*2 new sidewalk construction projects
https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/2025-neighborhood-infrastructure-upgrades
“I’m looking forward to a productive construction season where residents and neighborhoods will experience positive and meaningful changes,” said Mayor Tucker. “We strive to have a safe and efficient transportation system that serves all users and provides an enhanced quality of life.”
In 2017, the City Administration and a majority of City Council members came together to provide additional funding for alley work and sidewalks in neighborhoods.