The City of South Bend has announced several construction projects that will bring improvements to local trails and streets but will also result in temporary closures and detours.

Work is underway on a major upgrade of the East Race Riverwalk area. The project includes replacing the wooden boardwalk between Seitz Park and Howard Park with a 14-foot-wide concrete sidewalk. Additional improvements include a new bridge over the East Race Waterway, a wider ADA-accessible dock, new stairway access to the Jefferson Bridge, and replacement of stairs connecting Jefferson Boulevard to Howard Park.

Portions of the East Bank Trail near Seitz Park will be closed during construction, which is expected to continue through May 2027. City officials say Seitz Park will remain open for events, programming, and concessions throughout the project.

The city is also continuing streetscape improvements along Madison Street between Hill Street and the St. Joseph River. The project includes a new 10-foot-wide multiuse path, upgraded lighting, landscaping, and storm sewer improvements.

As part of that work, the intersection of Niles Avenue and Madison Street is closed and is expected to reopen on June 30, weather permitting. The overall project is scheduled for completion by July 31.

Meanwhile, Western Avenue between Dundee Street and Bendix Drive closed June 2 for concrete patching work. Drivers are being detoured via Sample Street using Olive Street or Mayflower Road. The roadway is expected to reopen by the end of the day on June 12, weather permitting.