South Bend just got a whole lot more connected. Completed in April 2025, the Link Trail is a 1.5-mile, multi-use corridor linking the University of Notre Dame to downtown. Designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, this trail turns everyday streets into safe, vibrant, and inviting spaces, without disrupting vehicular traffic. Beyond its physical improvements, the Link Trail is also a case study in collaboration under pressure, showcasing how municipalities, academic institutions, and engineering consultants can deliver complex projects on accelerated schedules.
A Design That Puts People First
Built entirely within the existing right-of-way, the Link Trail demonstrates the power of thoughtful urban planning and adaptable, solution-oriented design. The project stretches along LaSalle Avenue, Hill Street, South Bend Avenue, Notre Dame Avenue, and Angela Boulevard, featuring:
- Wide multi-use path with raised crosswalks and separate sidewalks
- Enhanced lighting and traffic-calming features
- Thoughtful landscaping and signature wayfinding signage
- Upgrades to underground infrastructure, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main improvements
These improvements create a safer, more attractive route while maintaining smooth traffic flow with a proper Complete Streets approach. Early coordination with stakeholders, including AEP on high-voltage transmission line crossings, ensured the project remained on schedule and safe for the community.
Meeting the Community’s Needs
Before the trail, students and residents had limited options for non-vehicular travel between the campus and downtown. The Link Trail now:
- Reduces traffic congestion, especially during Notre Dame football weekends
- Encourages walking and biking for daily commuting
- Supports climate-conscious, sustainable urban mobility
The project highlights the unique role of Notre Dame students, who supported research, community engagement, and project planning. Their involvement added valuable insight and reinforced the trail’s connection to local learning and civic participation.
More Than a Trail: A Placemaking Triumph
Robust public engagement shaped the project from day one. Residents influenced key design choices, ensuring the trail reflects the community’s vision. Signature branding and landscaping make it instantly recognizable, while programming led by Visit South Bend and the University of Notre Dame, including community walks and student activities, keeps the space active and welcoming.
To help measure this success, MACOG received a grant to install a trail counter. The data collected will track trail usage, giving planners and community leaders valuable insight into how the Link Trail supports mobility, recreation, and economic vitality.
A Model for Collaboration
Funded through a public-private partnership, with equal contributions from the City of South Bend, Visit South Bend Mishawaka, and the University of Notre Dame, the Link Trail demonstrates what’s possible when stakeholders unite behind a shared vision. At $11.5 million, South Bend’s most significant transportation-related investment is tied to the university and sets a new standard for urban placemaking.
This project illustrates how early coordination, open communication, and adaptable planning can allow complex, multi-phase infrastructure projects to succeed under tight timelines. The Link Trail isn’t just a route between two points; it’s a symbol of community, collaboration, and innovation, showing how infrastructure can connect people, strengthen local economies, and foster a sense of place.
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