The Airport Expressway Grade Separation project will eliminate the railroad crossing at Norfolk Southern’s Crossing 478051H by constructing a new overpass and rebuilding approximately 2,500 feet of Airport Expressway between Airport Drive and the Harber Drain bridge. This busy four‑lane divided roadway carries more than 20,000 vehicles per day, including school buses, commercial trucks, and drivers traveling to nearby employers and the Fort Wayne International Airport. Removing the at‑grade crossing will improve safety, reduce traffic delays from the 15 daily trains, and support growing travel demand in the area.

The project replaces the existing rail crossing with a single‑span concrete bridge and reconstructs the Harber Drain bridge to increase water‑flow capacity and reduce flood‑related closures. Today, frequent train activity causes traffic to stop unexpectedly, contributing to crashes, idling emissions, and unpredictable travel times. Between 2019 and 2023, 17 crashes in this area were attributed to vehicles queueing for trains, many involving multiple vehicles and occurring during clear daytime conditions. The new overpass will remove this conflict point entirely.

This improvement also supports major economic and community assets. The corridor serves the Amazon inbound cross‑dock facility, BAE Systems, Fort Wayne Metals, WaterFurnace, Coca‑Cola, and other employers that rely on efficient access for thousands of workers. It also provides a direct connection to the site of a new IU Health hospital opening in 2027. Eliminating train delays will help first responders, patients, and employees reach essential services more reliably.

Beyond safety and mobility benefits, the project will reduce vehicle emissions by removing the need for hundreds of vehicles per day to stop, idle, and accelerate. Updated drainage capacity at the Harber Drain will also increase resilience during heavy rainfall events. Together, these improvements support long‑term sustainability, strengthen the national STRACNET rail defense corridor, and enhance quality of life for nearby neighborhoods and travelers across southwest Fort Wayne.