Project Description

We call this section of the Pufferbelly Trail the "Golden Spike," because once finished, it will connect 130 miles of existing trails and because most of the trail will be constructed on the former New York Central Railroad corridor. The Pufferbelly Trail is part of the 81-mile long Poka-Bache Connector that will run from Pokagon State Park to Ouabache State Park (the trail is 60% complete or funded). This 1.7 mile phase of the Pufferbelly Trail will be a 12-foot wide asphalt trail from Washington Center Road to the intersection of Lima Road and Ice Way and will provide connectivity to nearly 700 businesses, retail areas, restaurants and entertainment, including Glenbrook Square Mall, Glenbrook Commons, SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse and SportONE Parkview Icehouse. The City of Fort Wayne received a nearly $2.7 million Next Level Trails grant from the State of Indiana for this project. The City's non-profit partner, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc., contributed $300,000 in donor funds. This trail is the most important trail ever built in Fort Wayne because of the connectivity it will provide.

The City hired Crosby Excavating to construct the trail. Construction began August 5, 2024 and will continue through November of 2025. As of July 1st, the trail is 70% complete. The trail has been paved between Washington Center and Coliseum, but is not open for use as it's still under construction. The contractor is working along Coliseum and Lima Road. A new traffic signal to help trail users get across Washington Center Road was installed at the intersection of Industrial Road in late June. Most of the excavation and concrete work are complete.

Project Images

Project Location

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Trail Rules

  • No Motor Vehicles

    Trails are designed only for people-powered vehicles.

  • Leash your Pets

    Pets are welcome, but must be leashed. Remove and dispose of any waste.

  • Be Kind

    Be respectful of others. Always yield to slower trail users.

  • Safety First

    Obey all traffic signs and signals.

Mid-Block Crossings

As of February 2025, the Greater Fort Wayne Area Trails Network consists of 153 miles of trails, with 107 miles inside City limits. Most of the trails in City limits are planned, designed, constructed, and maintained by the City of Fort Wayne under the leadership of Mayor Sharon Tucker.