Smart Streets initiative underway in downtown South Bend

If you've driven around downtown South Bend lately, you might have noticed a lot of construction. It is part of the Smart Streets Initiative.

The project includes planting trees, adding sidewalks, and turning some one-way streets into two-way. But this construction doesn't come without a few headaches.

"There's always a little bit of concern about construction," says Jintin Kain with the South Bend Planning Department.

"I think it's a little bit chaotic," says South Bend resident Monica Palacios.

Kain says the city is on a mission to plant more trees and make the streets more welcoming for pedestrians.
 
Right now, construction crews are working on Lafayette and Jefferson Street. Once that project is complete, they'll turn their attention to St. Joseph Street.