The latest on road construction projects in Mishawaka

MISHAWKA, Ind. -- If you've driven around Michiana recently, you've probably noticed some road work happening.

In Mishawaka, the Cedar Street Bridge reopened to traffic on Friday after more than a year of work.

Matthew Lentsch, Executive Director of Development and Government Affairs for the City of Mishawaka, says there are a couple of things left to do, but they are excited it’s back open.

“There's still some work, some lighting, some work underneath the bridge, that still is going to take place, but we're thrilled that it's finally open,” said Lentsch.

Lentsch outlined multiple additional projects happening in Mishawaka, listed below:

3rd St Phase III (from Church to Cedar)

Includes fixes to sewer, new storm water pipe and reroute, replacing old water and sewer lines, rebuilding the street

• Key part: A new 72-inch stormwater outfall at the river near Lincolnway East
• Impacts to Laurel Street off of Lincolnway East into late October
• Timeline: Remaining work on Third Street set to be completed by fall 2026.

Linden Area Improvements (Campbell, 6th, 7th, 8th Streets)

• Starts in September 2025
• Sewer improvements, new water and sanitary lines to east side streets
• new curbs, sidewalks and paving
• estimated to be complete by Fall of 2026.

CSO 20/Vistula Project:

• Includes safety improvements at the Ballard/Vistula intersection, like a raised pedestrian crossing.
• Construction will continue east toward Bittersweet Road and will tie into an already-finished Community Crossings project.
• Timeline: Work began in 2024 and will wrap up in Fall 2025.

Improvements to West Street (Signal Removal at Main & 8th)

• Removed an old traffic signal at Main and 8th Streets
• Completed and opened on August 8th

12th Street -Phase IIIA

• Federally funded INDOT project
• 12th St between focused Merrifield Avenue and Campbell Street.
• Includes: Utility work, new storm sewer system and water main, reconfigured intersections, and a new multi-use path
• Completion: Originally set for Fall 2026, utility delays may extend the project into 2027.

“A lot of what we do causes, you know, some, some temporary impacts on neighborhoods. We try to minimize that. We try to make sure that folks are informed about what's going on, why we're doing it, and we try to mitigate any, any issues. But, you know, there's going to be inconvenience, but in long term, what we look at is the gain, and that's upgraded infrastructure and quality of life, and that's what we seek to do,” said Lentsch.

Below is a quote from the City of Mishawaka regarding these improvements:

“Each of these projects reflects our commitment to making smart, lasting investments in Mishawaka’s infrastructure. These are the building blocks of public health, safety, economic development, and neighborhood quality of life. We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this important work.” — City of Mishawaka

For information on work happening in South Bend, an interactive map is available on the City’s website.