Council approves $915,316 pedestrian improvements on Stellhorn Road

The Fort Wayne Common Council on Dec. 16 approved an ordinance to fund Phase 2 of the Stellhorn Road sidewalk connection, authorizing a construction contract with Key Concrete Inc. not to exceed $915,316.50.

A city traffic engineer described the project as extending pedestrian connectivity along the north side of Stellhorn Road between Reed Road and Northwood Plaza, with improvements that include concrete sidewalks, driveway replacements, grading and drainage upgrades and a boardwalk crossing the Bollerman Legal drain. Project work runs adjacent to the Green Tree, Royal Oaks, Park Forest and Oakhurst Park neighborhoods in District 1. The engineer said the project will add intersection lighting where appropriate to improve pedestrian visibility.

Council members asked about the project length and design separation from the roadway; staff estimated the project approaches about a mile in total length and said the design maintains a recommended separation (about six feet) from high-speed traffic where feasible. Council moved the ordinance for passage in committee and the measure was adopted in the special regular session with an 8–0 recorded result.

The contract is a capital public-works project and will be administered through the Board of Public Works. Construction timing and coordination details were not specified in council discussion; staff offered to provide schedule and construction phasing information following contract execution.

With passage, staff are authorized to execute the contract and begin project procurement and mobilization per standard Board of Public Works procedures.