09-05-2006 South Bend Breaks Ground on Riverside Trail

Home Browse Search

will include decorative railing, benches and litter containers, and new sod and plantings to complement the existing landscape. Some areas will also be selectively cleared to increase sightlines to the river. Other amenities and aesthetic improvements will be added at a later date, as funding becomes available. "This is a great link for the 1st District to the rest of the community," stated Derek Dieter, 1st District Councilman. "We are excited to see this path become a reality, and see our residents take advantage of pedestrian and bike accessibility from the north side all the way to NSB." The Trail will be environmentally friendly, promoting physical and recreational activities throughout the Trails pathway, will help to ensure the safety of bikers and pedestrians by separating them from vehicle traffic on Riverside Dr., and also creates an alternative transportation corridor for residents. "It's a short bike ride for me from my home in Keller Park to the library, Century Center, County-City Building, Farmer's Market, my yoga class, bank and favorite restaurants, shops and cafes in downtown South Bend," commented Kathleen Petitjean, Keller Park Neighborhood Association Vice President. "The Riverside Trail will make bike trips to South Bend safer and more accessible for families with young children as well as for folks in motorized wheelchairs, skateboarders and in-line skaters. I can't wait for it to be finished!" Phase I of the project has been awarded to LaPorte Construction, in the amount of $1,718,221.07. 80% of that funding was provided by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (part of our federal share of the gas tax). The remaining 20% ($343,644.21) is being provided from South Bend's General Fund. Phase I is expected to be completed by late spring in 2007. Mayor Luecke also announced that Riverside Trail Phase II is expected to begin next spring, and will expand the path north along Riverside Dr. to the Darden Pedestrian Bridge, bringing the total Trail length to 3.2 miles of walking/biking paths. The City has already been awarded a Transportation Enhancement Activity Grant of$1 million, and a Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) grant of$400,000 for the project. Officials are working to secure $300,000 in local matching funds that will be needed in order to complete Phase II in the fall of 2007. The City's commitment to a dedicated walking/biking trail system began in the 1970's with the redevelopment of the downtown area to include connections to the river, at Riverglen Office Park,Pier Park, Century Center,Bicentennial Park, and the East Race Waterway and - more -