Council adopts six-year transportation plan, emphasizes dependence on grants

The South Bend City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025-02, the city’s six-year transportation improvement plan, after a brief public hearing with no public comments.

The plan lists proposed projects for 2026–2031 including a Water Street reconstruction and storm improvements (with a sidewalk from U.S. Route 101 to Adam Street) in 2026; a second-street reconstruction from Monroe to Quincy in 2027; Cowitz Avenue reconstruction and storm improvements from Quincy to Jackson in 2028; West Kowitz Avenue reconstruction and storm improvements in 2029 (Memorial Avenue to Cedar Street and Cedar Street to Ferry Street); a West Second Street reconstruction in 2030 (Kendrick to the west end); and B Street and Third Street reconstructions with storm improvements in 2031. The council opened the hearing, described the proposed projects, and — after noting no public speakers — closed the hearing and moved to approve the resolution.

Council members repeatedly cautioned that the adopted schedule is a planning document, not a guarantee. "This is a plan," a councilor said during discussion, and staff reiterated that each project will require successful grant applications and that priorities can change during the annual reviews. The council approved the resolution on a voice vote with no opposition.

City staff said the plan will be revisited annually and that specific project timing and scopes will depend on forthcoming grant awards and contractor availability. The council did not set contract awards or specific funding commitments as part of the resolution; those steps will follow if and when grant funding is secured.