Daily lane restrictions on one of Fort Wayne’s busiest stretches will start next week and stick around for a while, prompting warnings for delays and traffic headaches.

Crews will shut down the westbound right lane of Coliseum Boulevard between North Anthony Boulevard and Parnell Avenue starting May 19 for bridge maintenance. Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and expected to last about two weeks.

A Small Closure, A Big Disruption

It might seem like just one lane. But if you’ve ever driven this stretch of Coliseum during daylight hours, you know even minor blockages can turn into a mess.

This part of the city is a key artery—jammed with daily commuters, trucks, and locals bouncing between errands. The road’s already busy under normal conditions. Add construction? It gets worse.

People who rely on that route during rush hour are being warned to plan ahead or, better yet, avoid the area if they can.

What’s Actually Being Fixed?

The project is all about bridge maintenance. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) hasn’t released a detailed breakdown, but crews will be working in and around the bridge between North Anthony and Parnell.

The lane closure is necessary to give them space to operate—and keep drivers safe in the process.

It’s not a full road closure, though. Eastbound traffic and the other westbound lane will stay open. Spotters and trucks will be in the area during active work hours.

Just one heads-up:

• Expect delays during morning and evening commutes. Crews start at 7 a.m. sharp and keep going until 6 p.m.*

So far, there’s no rain delay plan, but weather could stretch the two-week timeline.

Drivers Sound Off

People in Fort Wayne aren’t shy when it comes to roadwork frustrations.

“I get it, it needs to be done,” said Jake Harmon, a local delivery driver. “But man, this stretch already crawls. Now it’s going to be a parking lot.”

Others say they’re already making changes.

“I’ve switched my schedule to leave before 7 a.m. just to miss it,” said Tanya Mendoza, who works at a medical clinic off Coliseum. “It’s either that or be stuck in traffic every day.”

One local business owner near the construction zone added, “We’re bracing for a slowdown. Fewer people stop in when they know they’ll be stuck getting out.”

Still, there’s a bit of understanding mixed in. Most agree the bridge work has to happen sometime. It’s just not ideal timing—then again, when is it ever?

High-Traffic Zone: What the Data Says

Traffic data shows this portion of Coliseum sees more than 36,000 vehicles a day, according to the Fort Wayne Urban Transportation Plan.

Here’s a quick snapshot of traffic flow in the work zone area:

The stretch also serves as a connector for commercial delivery routes, meaning delays don’t just affect personal travel—they hit logistics too.

Bridge Maintenance Has a History Here

This isn’t the first time the city has had to juggle maintenance on Coliseum Boulevard’s infrastructure.

Back in 2020, a similar stretch was under repair for nearly three weeks, causing long backups near Glenbrook Square Mall. And in 2017, emergency work on the same corridor caused unplanned lane closures during the holiday shopping season—locals still talk about it.

The current project is scheduled, which means it was likely identified through routine inspection.

INDOT inspects bridges every two years. If issues like surface cracking, joint wear, or corrosion pop up, crews get dispatched before it becomes an emergency. And that’s what seems to be happening here—preventive work, not crisis repair.

Alternate Routes That Might Save You Time

There’s no official detour for the westbound lane closure, but locals know a few tricks.

• Anthony Boulevard to State Boulevard, then back to Coliseum

• Coldwater Road southbound and then loop back via Parnell

• East State Boulevard directly to Crescent Avenue for local traffic

None of these will fully dodge traffic, but they might help depending on your direction.

City traffic planners suggest checking Google Maps or Waze before heading out. Real-time data can help you pivot last-minute, especially during the morning crunch.

Here’s What Drivers Should Watch For

If you’re driving through the area during the closure, officials say you should:

• Watch for construction workers and spotters near active zones.

• Avoid distractions—especially phones—since the work area is tight.

• Give trucks and crew vehicles room as they enter or leave the site.

And of course, patience. Lots of it.