Drivers in Fort Wayne’s southeast side will soon need to adjust their routes. A significant road closure is set to begin Monday, March 31, as crews work on a major infrastructure project.
A Century-Old Pipe Gets Replaced
Fort Wayne City Utilities announced that Hanna Street, between Pontiac and Oxford Streets, will be closed for an extended period. The reason? A new water main is being installed to replace a pipe that has been in place for 100 years.
According to officials, the aging pipe has been due for an upgrade for some time. The replacement aims to improve water reliability and reduce the risk of future breaks.
Detours in Place for Drivers
With the road closure spanning several months, city officials have outlined detour routes to help motorists navigate around the construction zone.
- Northbound traffic: Drivers should take East Rudisill Boulevard, Lafayette Street, and Pontiac Street.
- Southbound traffic: The detour will direct drivers onto Clinton Street and East Rudisill Boulevard.
City officials encourage drivers to allow extra time for travel and plan alternate routes when possible.
How Long Will the Closure Last?
The project is expected to be completed by June 13, meaning drivers will need to adapt to the detours for over two months. While roadwork is never convenient, city leaders say the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary disruption.
A Larger Effort to Upgrade Infrastructure
The Hanna Street project is part of a broader effort by Fort Wayne City Utilities to modernize aging infrastructure. In recent years, similar projects have taken place across the city, targeting outdated water and sewer systems.
Infrastructure improvements like this are crucial, especially when dealing with pipes that have been in the ground for a century. Officials say that while the short-term inconvenience is unavoidable, the long-term improvements will ensure a more reliable system for years to come.
