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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - June 11, 2026 <br />1. Budget Request (Colfax Ave. Bridge) <br />Leslie Biek, Assistant City Engineer of Public Works, requested <br />$3,500,000 in funding for enhancements to the Colfax Bridge project in <br />coordination with planned County repairs. While the County will <br />complete maintenance work, the City proposes additional <br />improvements aligningwith the Colfax and MLK streetscape projects. <br />These include wider pedestrian and multi -use paths, separated railings <br />for safety, improved bike access, decorative lighting, and architectural <br />features to better connect the bridge to downtown. The City will fund <br />only its enhancements. Construction is expected to begin in August and <br />be completed by November. <br />Secretary Wax asked what the impact the project will have on traffic <br />flow is. Ms. Biek responded that the travel lanes will narrow slightly from <br />12 to 11 feet, which may slow speeds modestly, but overall traffic flow <br />and lane configuration will remain largely unchanged. Commissioner <br />Wax also inquired, will the intersection changes affect efficiency? Ms. <br />Biek confirmed that minor changes include bump -outs, removal of one <br />northbound right -turn lane at MLK, and improved signalization with <br />additional poles and turn phases. These updates are expected to <br />maintain overall flow while improving safety and visibility. <br />Vice President White asked to confirm that emergency vehicles can <br />navigate the changes? Ms. Biek confirmed that they have adjusted the <br />plan to accommodate emergency vehicles. <br />Commissioner Shaw asked if the $3.5 million parts of the full project bid, <br />and does it include a contingency? Ms. Biek stated yes. The $3.5 million <br />represents the City's portion of the overall project and includes a <br />contingency. The County will manage the contract and bill the City only <br />for its share of costs, with itemized breakdowns. Commissioner Shaw <br />also asked, is the City contracting directly with the construction team? <br />Ms. Biek stated no. The County will handle bidding and contracting <br />under an interlocal agreement, with the City reimbursing its portion. Ms. <br />Biek also confirmed that this will make the downtown pedestrian loop <br />more accessible. <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by Karen White, <br />the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget <br />Request as presented on June 11, 2026. <br />6. Progress Reports <br />A. Tax Abatement <br />Page 19 <br />