Why can't they put sidewalks in on Grape Road in Mishawaka?

by Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

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The Mishawaka city engineer says putting sidewalks on Grape Road in Mishawaka has been discussed for over 20 years. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: May 12, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:59 AM EST

MISHAWAKA — It's our area's busiest shopping spot. But all that traffic can mean tricky turns and dangerous conditions for pedestrians.

Dominic Bartolinni of Granger wants to know, “Why can't they put sidewalks in for those who prefer to walk from store to store on Grape Road in Mishawaka?”

A deadly accident last week involving a motorcycle on Grape Road in Mishawaka had one viewer thinking about the idea of sidewalks. He asked us if it would be safer to walk from store to store instead of driving everywhere.

Mishawaka City Engineer Gary West told WSBT News he believes adding sidewalks could actually make the area more dangerous. West fears sidewalks would encourage kids to cross streets from parking lot to parking lot in an area that sees more traffic than some state highways.

West says the idea has been talked about and considered for the past 20 years. But says many stores in the area are not currently pedestrian-friendly. And it would be an expensive taxpayer project.

But West concedes with gas prices going through the roof, the idea could be talked about again at some point.

Mishawaka estimates between 25,000-27,000 cars travel on the Grape Road corridor each day.

The city says to add sidewalks on Grape between State Road 23 and Catalpa would cost about $635,000.

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