Contact:  Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564

The east-side McKinley/Ironwood intersection, considered for improvements by the state since 1982, will begin a four-month project Friday to improve traffic flow with five lanes in all directions while maintaining the character of a residential neighborhood.

The project, scheduled for completion by Dec. 1, will include new curbs, sidewalks, drive approaches and traffic signals. The project also will include the installation of a storm sewer, 25 ornamental streetlights, 56 new trees and a retention basin on the south side of McKinley, west of 27th Street.

The intersection's reconstruction was the only remaining section from a 1999 agreement by the Indiana Department of Transportation to transfer McKinley Avenue, or "Old U.S. 20," to the City of South Bend. Last fall, INDOT gave the city $2 million as part of an agreement by the state to relinquish jurisdiction and responsibility for the intersection's reconstruction.

"The City of South Bend has worked with neighbors and the state to enhance the safety of our roads and accommodate increasing traffic demand while preserving the character of the Coquilliard Woods neighborhood," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "This road project will mark a significant milestone in intergovernmental cooperation as it upgrades a vital intersection, saving gas and travel time for motorists."

The city had proposed a design scaled to a context appropriate to the surrounding residential neighborhood, seeking to balance quality of life with traffic demand along Ironwood, a major street that transverses the length of the city from north to south. Between 10,000 and 16,000 vehicles travel through the intersection each day, according to a study by the Michiana Council of Area Governments. The intersection has a significant crash history with 43 accidents in a two-year period between 2003 and 2005, MACOG reported.

Although McKinley was relinquished  to the city in 1999, local residents were not in agreement with a design plan initially proposed by INDOT. City engineers worked with neighbors to propose an alternative design, which gained state approval. Common Council member Ann Puzzello, D-4th, played a key role in bringing people together for a solution.

The reconstructed intersection will feature a five-lane intersection similar to the original INDOT proposal, but limiting the widened lanes to within one block of the intersection. The intersection will feature 11-foot-wide lanes, landscaping and decorative lighting to preserve neighborhood character. A five-member citizen design review committee has worked with the city on the plan's details.

Traffic Restrictions:

Work on the project is planned to be done without closures, however, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the construction period: Aug. 1 - Dec. 1.  Field conditions may dictate short-term and/or daytime closures which will be announced in advance should they become necessary.
 
As with any construction project, motorists are asked to slow down as they drive through the restricted area.  Delays are expected, especially during rush hours.  Using alternate routes when possible is strongly encouraged.  Officials also remind those whose destinations bring them through the work area to please follow all signs and markings to ensure safety and traffic flow.  Please remember, this is a Work Zone area – always use caution to ensure the safety of all motorists, pedestrians, and the crews working to improve our community.

The city's Board of Public Works awarded a $2,013,110 contract for the work in July to Brooks Construction Co. Inc.