Broadway railroad bridge latest to get a facelift under city’s ‘Front Door’ program
By Kevin Leininger | News-Sentinel
Another high-profile railroad bridge in central Fort Wayne will be getting a makeover — this one not far from the massive Electric Works development.
In the latest project of the city’s “Front Door Fort Wayne” plan, a 10-year initiative begun in 2012 to beautify primary corridors and gateways, the Norfolk Southern bridge over Broadway near Taylor Street will receive a new facade, repairs to the concrete face of the underdeck, piers and abutments and the removal of overgrowth. New lights will also be installed beneath the bridge to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians, according to city planner Russ Garriott II.
Seventeen rail bridges have been identified as requiring varying degrees of improvement, and several projects have been completed already, including spans on Jefferson, Lindenwood, Clinton and Lafayette. Just this week, in fact, Mayor Tom Henry and others dedicated the “Metaform” sculpture that was part of the beautification of the overpass near East Columbia Street downtown.
Garriott declined to reveal the estimated cost for fear of influencing bids, which are due by Nov. 20. Construction could begin next spring, he said. The work will be funded through local income taxes. Norfolk Southern is not helping to pay for the improvements, which are considered cosmetic. About 13,425 vehicles pass under the bridge every day.
A railroad bridge owned by CSX runs through the Electric Works site further to the north, and Garriott said the city might be interested in working with RTM Ventures to upgrade that overpass, too.
