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St. Joe River Bridge

With the approval of funding for the new bridge, design will commence on the structure that will provide a dedicated pedestrian/bicycle pathway across the St. Joe River on the grounds of IPFW. The bridge will be a vital link in theFort Wayne River Greenway that will eventually connect the downtown with IPFW and as far North as Shoaff Park. The location of the bridge and greenway in relation to a proposed community park and hotel complex adjacent to the Memorial Coliseum will also enhance the use.

The university applied for funding from the federal government in the form of a Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) grant. This Act promotes the use of transportation other than the automobile and is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is the same type of grant that was recieved in the construction of the Crescent Avenue bridge which connects the campus with student housing and the community tothe East. The grant and construction will be administered by the Indiana Department of Transportation.

News Release

"IPFW officials received word today[8/19/05] from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) that its application for $1,000,000 in transportation enhancement project funds for a pedestrian-bicycle bridge across the St. Joseph River has been approved. The new bridge will link IPFW’s main campus to the Hefner Soccer Fields, the proposed hotel and park complex, and to the River Greenway.

The project, which has a $2.8 million price tag, is expected to be completed in 2008. IPFW Chancellor Michael A. Wartell says the bridge will be a vital link “…not only for our students, but for the community as a whole. Visitors to our campus will be able to get across the river and spend time in the new park or go to the soccer fields. After the bridge is finished, those who enjoy walking or biking on the River Greenway will eventually be able to go all the way to Shoaff Park on it. ”

Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs Walter J. Branson says the university’s application for the funds included the approval of the project by Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard. “We want to recognize and thank the mayor and Allen County officials for their support of this project. We are very pleased with the high level of cooperation that we receive from our elected officials,” said Branson."