Fort Wayne to target ‘worst-rated streets’ as part of $42M infrastructure plan

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - As part of Fort Wayne’s 2027 budget, city officials say they plan to invest $42 million toward infrastructure upgrades, spanning trails, sidewalks, alleys, roads, bridges, and neighborhoods across all four quadrants.

RELATED: City leaders tout Fort Wayne’s strong financial position while outlining 2027 budget

In a presentation to Fort Wayne City Council Tuesday, city officials said one initiative would focus on replacing and maintaining asphalt and concrete in neighborhoods including Westwood North, Westwood Valley, New Kirkwood Park, and Centerhurst that have fallen into poor condition.

21Alive caught up with Fort Wayne Director of Public Works Shan Gunawardena, who says the project locations were chosen based on need and priority across the entire city.

“We do a rating of all our streets every year, and we determine the worst-rated streets in the city,” Gunawardena said. “And we try to pick the worst-rated [streets] in each political district.”

Gunawardena emphasizes that modern infrastructure is a crucial economic driver in attracting new residents and businesses to the area.

“In the past, 30, 40 years ago, people used to first look for a job, then they would live wherever they found work,” Gunawardena said. “That script has flipped today. Because jobs have become so much more portable, people look for where they want to live first, and then they look for work.”

Gunawardena says the Public Works Department hopes to receive full City Council approval for the $42 million funding package by mid-October.

To be the first to get the latest breaking news alerts, download the 21Alive News App here.

You can also catch the latest news from 21Alive anytime on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Just search “21Alive” in the app store and download the app to your device.