SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend announced it will begin construction on streetscape improvements along Wall Street between Greenlawn Avenue and Ironwood Drive starting Aug. 4 as part of the River Park Neighborhood Plan.

City officials say the project aims to enhance access to Potawatomi Park and Zoo, increase on-street parking for visitors, and improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The work includes two raised intersections and two raised crosswalks on Wall Street, plus curb bumpouts and new sidewalks to improve walkability.

Officials say nearly 50 additional on-street parking spaces will also be added along Wall Street.

Other improvements include street repaving and new tree plantings.

The city says a refuge island will also be constructed at the intersection of Ironwood Drive and Wall Street to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Ironwood Drive.

The project is being split into two phases, with the first starting on Aug. 4 lasting until early September, weather permitting, while the second phase is expected to start in early September, lasting until early October, weather permitting.

During phase one, Wall Street will be closed between Greenlawn Avenue and Cesar Chavez Drive, and the detour route will be Mishawaka Avenue via Ironwood and Twyckenham Drives.

Phase one includes:

• Installation of raised intersections and crossings with corner pedestrian safety bumpouts
• New sidewalk on the south side of Wall Street
• New curbs on both sides of Wall Street
• Repaving Wall Street and creating 50 additional parking spaces

During phase two, Wall Street from Cesar Chavez Drive to Ironwood Drive will be closed. This also includes the intersection of Wall Street and Ironwood Drive.

Phase two includes:

• Median refuge island for pedestrian crossing of Ironwood Drive at Wall Street
• New curbs and sidewalks on the north and south sides of Wall Street
• Repaving Wall Street and the intersection

You can stay up to date on the project via the city's website.