About the Project
The Market District in South Bend, Indiana, is an area scarred by urban renewal from the 1960s, when freeway-like ramps and bridges were imposed along the St. Joseph River on land that once belonged to a redlined neighborhood. These infrastructure changes were intended to improve commuting by reducing congestion, but they had some unintended consequences.
The ramps had an immediate and severe impact. The infrastructure changed the street network’s grade, physically severing the district’s connection to the adjoining neighborhoods. Large green freeway signs encouraged speeding, making the area especially dangerous for pedestrians. Today, both sides of the river are dominated by surface parking lots, abandoned buildings and wide roads with speeding traffic.
Planning Process
The study will follow the federal Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process designed to enhance efficiency in transportation planning and project development. It will take into account environmental, community, and economic conditions from both local and regional perspectives. Throughout the approximately two-year process, there will be ongoing engagement with the public and community stakeholders to ensure a collaborate approach.
The first phase of this process involves collecting data on the study area and establishing baseline conditions. This includes an engineering survey of the existing infrastructure, an assessment of traffic conditions, and an evaluation of environmental and historical resources. In the fall of 2024, surveyors are anticipated to begin fieldwork, including photographing the area.
Next Step
The study will follow the federal Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process designed to enhance efficiency in transportation planning and project development. It will take into account environmental, community, and economic conditions from both local and regional perspectives. Throughout the approximately two-year process, there will be ongoing engagement with the public and community stakeholders to ensure a collaborate approach.
The first phase of this process involves collecting data on the study area and establishing baseline conditions. This includes an engineering survey of the existing infrastructure, an assessment of traffic conditions, and an evaluation of environmental and historical resources. In the fall of 2024, surveyors are anticipated to begin fieldwork, including photographing the area.
Timeline
STEP 1
Planning and
Environmental Study
Timeline: Year 1-3
STEP 2
Complete Environmental
Study (NEPA) and Project
Engineering
Timeline: Year 4-6
STEP 3
Project Construction
(Dependent on availability
of Federal Funding)
Timeline: Year 7-10