FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – The Bluffton Road Bridge, a vital structure built in the 1980s, is about to undergo a major renovation aimed at improving its safety and functionality. The project, discussed in a recent public hearing Wednesday night, is expected to take a year and a half to complete while addressing structural issues and enhancing pedestrian access. The bridge currently has a 12-ton load limit due to cracks in its beams. Once the renovation is complete, the load restriction will be lifted, allowing all vehicles to use the bridge. The renovation will be carried out in three phases: • Phase One: Scheduled to begin soon, this phase will involve replacing half of the bridge. Crews will remove the deck, pull off the old beams, and install new ones. This phase is expected to take 8-9 months. • Phase Two: Starting in early summer 2026, the second half of the bridge will be addressed, following the same 8-9 month timeline. • Phase Three: The final phase will focus on rebuilding the trail that runs beneath the bridge, improving pedestrian access and safety. Throughout the construction, efforts will be made to keep traffic flowing by working on the bridge one half at a time. Alternative pedestrian routes will be provided, with signage guiding both walkers and boaters around the construction zones. In addition to structural repairs, the project will include several enhancements: • Wider sidewalks through lane narrowing. • Lookout points with metal guardrails for scenic river views. • A concrete barrier between the trail and street to improve pedestrian safety. There will be one to two weeks where the bridge will be completely shut down. City leaders said they will use Engage Fort Wayne to keep residents informed about when that shutdown will happen and provide other progress updates and detour routes.