03-04-09 Work begins on Riverside Trail for 2009 completion

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE March 4, 2009 9:30 a.m. Work begins on Riverside Trail for 2009 completion Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876- 1564, or Carl Littrell, City Engineer, 235-9251 Crews are mobilizing this week to complete the final phase of construction for the City of South Bend’s popular Riverside Trail, which will extend the trail north from Oakwood Boulevard to the Old Darden Road pedestrian bridge. The Indiana Department of Transportation awarded the construction contract for the final phase to Selge Construction Co. Inc. The Niles, Mich., company was the low bidder on the project with a bid of $1,657,988.56 – about $200,000 less than estimated costs by engineers for INDOT’s LaPorte District. “I am looking forward to building the trail this spring and summer,” said City Engineer Carl Littrell. “Walking the completed project will be a joy.” The new 1.63-mile segment will bring the total length of the trail to 3.2 miles from its starting point at the corner of Angela Boulevard and Riverside Drive. “The first phase of Riverside Trail has been a huge success. It is treasured by walkers and bike riders, and it presents beautiful vistas of the St. Joseph River to families with strollers and individuals in wheelchairs,” said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. “Neighbors who initially had doubts about this trail are among its biggest supporters. Phase 2 will encourage even more residents to enjoy the natural beauty of South Bend.” Phase 1 of the Riverside Trail officially opened July 17, 2007, with final landscaping work completed last fall. The first phase of the Riverside Trail cost $1.79 million to build a 9,225-foot long and 10-foot wide path. Through the Michiana Area Council of Governments, the project will receive $1.52 million in federal funds by means of a grant from the U.S. Department of