Redevelopment Commission Minutes 02.26.26 - Signed

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – February 26, 2026 Page | 5 Dustin New, Transportation Planner for MACOG, and residents Edward Jurkovic and Peter Hru all spoke in favor of the project. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on February 26, 2026. 2. Budget Request (Marion Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connections) Leslie Biek, Assist. City Engineer presented the Marion Pedestrian Bridge and Connecting Trails Project for $3,600,000. The project proposes construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the St. Joseph River at Marion Street. The bridge would connect the east and west sides of the river and link directly into the City’s broader trail network. This location has been identified as a valuable connection point and has appeared in multiple neighborhood and planning studies since 2017. In total, five plans have recommended the bridge as a way to address gaps in the City’s pedestrian and trail infrastructure. The Marion Bridge will be a standalone project located on the south side of Marion Street. It will connect the West Bank to the East Bank Trail. The bridge will consist of two spans with a cylindrical center column placed in the river. The outer railing design will be a steel capstone-style railing, and the handrail and handrail lighting will match what was used on the Coal Line Trail pedestrian bridge. On the west side of the river, a new trail will be constructed along the south side of Marion Street and connected to the existing roundabout. Because Marion St. is currently wider than needed for a residential street, the southern curb line will be shifted to accommodate the trail. A separate project along Madison St. will connect a new linking trail to the East Bank Trail and the bridge. Improvements along the Madison Connector Trail will include ADA curb upgrades, curb bump-outs, and decorative lighting. Regarding schedule, bridge bids were opened earlier this week, and the Madison Trail project is currently out for bid, with bids expected at the March 10 Board of Works meeting. The Marion Trail project will be bid later this spring. Construction of the bridge is anticipated to begin in late summer, pending environmental permit approvals, and is expected to be completed next spring. Construction of the Madison and Marion trails is expected to occur this year, with potential coordination adjustments to the Marion Trail to align with bridge construction.