FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) - City leaders and local business owners celebrated the completion of the Goshen Avenue improvement project Monday morning with a ribbon-cutting event.
Construction on the $5.2 million project began in July 2019. The area now has a roundabout, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and an extensive stormwater improvement underground.
The five-point intersection of Sherman Boulevard, Lillian Avenue and Goshen welcomes 18,500 vehicles per day.
With continuous traffic flow, no cars stopping at a light, City officials said emissions into the air from idling cars will reduce by about 20%.
The section between the roundabout and State Boulevard now has new paving and crews repaired existing sidewalks.
"These are improvements that upgrade a major corridor, but more importantly, add safety features to connect businesses and neighborhoods," Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said.
"The Five Points roundabout will enhance traffic flow and safety, and anyone familiar with the area will definitely appreciate the sidewalks and stormwater improvements. It's a significant improvement for the businesses and the Lincoln Park and Five Points neighborhoods."
The construction and COVID-19 have hindered businesses nearby.
"Without the light being there anymore, it's helped traffic move more smoothly. People are able to out of our parking lot easier now," Kimberly Giamino owner of King Gyros said.
"We've stuck it out, and we plan to be here for another 30 years."
Goshen Avenue has a long history that's seen many changes over the years. In 1913, the road became the route of the Lincoln Highway, the nation’s first coast to coast highway.
"Some people consider Goshen a route to access the interstate or to come into the City to access local attractions, like the zoo. But transportation needs evolve, and a road designed as a highway could not meet the vehicle needs to access business throughout the corridor, nor the foot and bicycle traffic needs of this century," Shan Gunawardena, Director of the Division of Public Works said.
"Yes, this is a delivery route and main corridor. However, to me, it's very much an essential part of the neighborhoods and the business district it serves. Whether a side street lined with homes or a corridor like Goshen that connects those side streets, our Public Works commitment is to improve transportation safety, enhance public space, and strengthen neighborhoods."
It was a rural highway outside of the City limits, and the Lincoln Highway continued west on what is now U.S. 33.
In 1928, the Lincoln highway was re-directed on to what some call Old U.S. 30 (W. Washington Center Road).
Today, Goshen Ave. evolves again as an urban street with city neighborhoods, nearby schools, churches, and a business corridor.
Future Goshen Corridor improvements call for enhancements to Coliseum Boulevard. Goshen Avenue becomes Goshen Road west of Harris Road.
"complete" - Google News
October 06, 2020 at 12:01AM
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Goshen Avenue improvement project now complete - wpta21.com
"complete" - Google News
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