SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend will begin construction on streetscape improvements along Ewing Avenue this month lasting throughout the summer. 

This project, which is part of the Rum Village Neighborhood Plan, aims to "enhance safety, slow traffic and improve connectivity between the neighborhood, Walker Field and Rum Village Park." according to the City of South Bend. 

Changes that are currently planned to take place include

• New curbs and sidewalks on the north side of Ewing Avenue,
•  Installation of raised intersections and pedestrian safety bump outs, 
• Construction of a new 10-foot multipurpose path on the south side of Ewing Avenue
• Installation of a new staircase and ramp connection to Rum Village Park
• Repaving of Ewing Avenue from Walnut to Webster streets

This construction is scheduled to happen in two phases, with the first phase starting March 17 and lasting until early June with weather permitting. During this phase drivers should be advised that Ewing Avenue will be closed from Gertrude Street to Kemble Avenue and that a detour route via Gertrude and Kemble Avenues, using Dubail and Prairie Avenues will be available. 

The second phase of the project is scheduled to begin in early June and will run through the end of July, weather permitting according to the city. No street closures should be expected during this second phase.

The full project is expected to be complete by end of July. 

For more information on the project, and how it will affect the area, those interested should visit the Ewing Avenue Streetscape Project's website for additional details.