FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Residents are one step closer to be able to enjoy a 26 miles continues loop linking New Haven and Fort Wayne.

During a press conference Wednesday morning, city leaders broke ground on the first phrase of the Six Mile Creek Trail. The first phrase will be a nearly one-mile long trail expansion from South Phoenix Parkway and Southtown Centre to the intersection of Tillman Road and Lemar Drive, according to the city of Fort Wayne. 

When the multi-phrase project is finished, the Six Mile Creek Trail will complete a 26 miles continuous loop The loop would link Moser Park in New Haven, Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway and the Six Mile Trail.

“Investing in trails is critical to the current and future success of our community and region,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “It’s great to see trail development in southeast Fort Wayne.”

The first phrase, which is nearly a mile, will cost $1,674,250. The money will cover the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction by Brooks Construction. Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council is covering $1,298,050 of the cost. $376,200 is coming from a local match.

On Wednesday, Fort Wayne Trails Incorporated donated $100,000 to the city of Fort Wayne.

“Our mission is to support trail growth and usage throughout the trail network and we are pleased to make a contribution to aid in safe connectivity for this important trail that will one day offer a unique asset of a 26 mile continuous loop,” Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails Incorporated Kent Castleman said.

When the project is complete, there will be 81 businesses within a half-mile of the trails.

“Making connectivity between households and residents and these 81 businesses is incredible,” Greenways and Trails Manager Dawn Ritchie said. “It will bring a lot more foot traffic and bike traffic to these businesses. Therefore, they will see an increase in sales.”
The trail will connect with four New Haven parks and several residential neighborhoods when it’s finished.