Construction and Testing Continue for Parker Cole Crossing Pedestrian Bridge

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Construction and analysis of Parker Cole Crossing, the pedestrian bridge spanning Coliseum Boulevard and connecting the campuses of Purdue University Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne, continues.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), which provides oversight for the project, has added time to the schedule to conduct additional testing to ensure the new bridge fulfills design and construction standards.

“The amount of testing is common for this type of structure,” says Greg Justice, executive director of facilities management for Purdue University Fort Wayne. “The absolute top priority of everyone involved in this project is to have a bridge that meets the highest of standards.”

INDOT is overseeing the project and is responsible for covering 80% of the approximate $4.5 million cost. Donations from the Olive B. Cole Foundation and Mac and Pat Parker are covering the remaining 20%.

“INDOT’s goal on every project is to improve the safety and mobility of the traveling public,” said Jason Spreen, INDOT Fort Wayne district construction director. “We take our commitment to those goals seriously and will continue to work diligently on this project to provide safe access for college students and local community residents crossing Coliseum Boulevard/ SR 930 between the campuses of Purdue Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech.”

Completion and opening dates have not yet been determined. More information will be made available as the project progresses.

For additional information about the project, contact INDOT at 1-855-INDOT-4U or Nicole Hahn at Purdue Fort Wayne, 260-481-4106 (work), 260-760-7409 (cell), or [email protected].

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