Fort Wayne’s City Council approved three separate contracts to advance onto the second phase of the State Boulevard realignment Tuesday night.
The contracts total just over $9 million, $7.5 million of which centers on construction coordination with INDOT. 80 percent of this portion is federally funded, but approval of the contract was necessary for funds to be procured.
The second phase will stretch from Clinton Street to Cass Street along State Boulevard, replacing the century-old bridge over Spy Run Creek. The first phase of the realignment has been under construction since April, and a list of updates provided by the city can be found here.
Each contract was approved by an 8-1 vote. Second district councilman Russ Jehl was the only opposing vote, saying numerous residents reached out with their opposition to the project.
“They were concerned about traffic primarily, and other related things,” Jehl explained. “I will be voting with my district, but have no constructive criticism in regards to the contracts or the way they are presented.”
The second phase will be sent for bids in February.