The Chamber Transportation Committee testified in support of the project at the hearing Tuesday. The proposed 1.25 mile extension has been part of the local transportation plan for over 30 years, and part of the Chamber’s formal priority list since 2004.The Maumee River presents a significant obstacle to north-south traffic on the east side of Fort Wayne. Additionally, several railroad tracks carrying as many as 50 trains per day, as well as switching movements, parallel the south side of the river. Economic activity in this urbanized area is hampered by the lack of direct access and delays caused by the railroads and lack of roadway connectivity. Local planners estimate as many as 8,000 vehicles per day will be attracted to the new roadway from nearby existing roads under existing conditions. This will reduce the number of vehicles using the other at-grade crossings by 28%, a significant safety consideration. Future traffic volumes are predicted to be as great as 17,000 vehicles per day.
The vote was on a $25 million dollar construction bond that should allow the $55 million dollar project to begin next year. The Chamber supported Maplecrest as a pro-active project that will stimulate economic development, provide a more direct route for businesses to move their products and their people in less time and with less fuel.
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