Marion-Madison Connector Project

Marion-Madison Connector Project

Open House

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 6:00pm

Howard Park Event Center

219 S. St. Louis Boulevard

Project Purpose

The City of South Bend will be making improvements to Marion and Madison Streets and adding a new pedestrian bridge to join the downtown and east bank areas; fill gaps in the trail system; and improve connectivity within the city’s active transportation network.

Project Scope

The Marion-Madison Connector Project includes a new pedestrian bridge over the St. Joseph River and shared use paths along Marion and Madison Streets. When complete, the project will connect the MLK Drive shared use path; the East Bank Trail; and the Link Trail.

The project includes three component sections and the planned improvement scope for each is as follows:

• Marion Street Trail (MLK Blvd to Riverside Drive) – shared use trail on south side of the street connecting to the new bridge; narrows street and adds trees.
• Pedestrian Bridge (across St. Joseph River) – 12 ft wide bridge with lighting connecting Marion Street and the East Bank Trail.
• Madison Street Trail (East Race to Hill Street) – shared use trail on the south side of the street connecting the East Bank Trail to the Link trail; narrows street; adds trees and lighting

Project Schedule

Construction is tentatively planned to begin in spring 2026 with work on all components to be completed in 2027.

Property Access

Access to the Marion and Madison Street portions of the project will experience limited restrictions, but to the degree possible, access to properties will be maintained throughout the project. Use of driveway approaches will be restricted during removal, installation, and the concrete curing period after installation. Every effort will be made to minimize interruption to property access for businesses, residents, and deliveries.