The construction contract has been awarded to Bayshore Contractors, LLC of Ludington, Mich. Northern Indiana Construction Company in Mishawaka is expected to do a significant portion of the work. The construction contract is for just over $2 million, of which $1.4 million is a federal appropriation. IU South Bend has budgeted funds for the remaining costs. A groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled in the near future and work is expected to begin this fall.

The pedestrian bridge will be 600 feet long and 10 feet wide. The bridge will begin on the south end of the campus, go over Northside Boulevard, span the St. Joseph River and end with a ramp approximately 50 feet past the riverbank.

“The pedestrian bridge has always been an important part of the master plan for IU South Bend,” said Chancellor Una Mae Reck. “Now we will have access to 26 acres of riverfront property to develop to meet the growing needs of the university.”

The most immediate needs to be addressed once the bridge is completed will be parking spaces for students and recreational fields to accommodate the growing intramural programs currently taking place at IU South Bend. Future development would include student housing.

According to Reck, IU South Bend officials will be submitting a MACOG grant proposal to fund development of community-oriented uses for the property including walking trails, bicycle trails and landscaping.

The bridge will be made using sections of metal and concrete connected over two pilings in the St. Joseph River. The sides of the bridge will be approximately four feet high and will contain electrical connections for lights, telephones and signage.

The Army Corps of Engineers will also be doing work to protect the riverbank from erosion on both ends of the bridge. For additional information on this project from the Army Corps call Carl Platz, project manager, at (616) 842-5510 ext. 25521.