INDIANAPOLIS — Several busy roads across Indianapolis could soon become safer for drivers and pedestrians, thanks to a $30 million investment.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization awarded the city’s Department of Public Works $30 million to fund eight road improvement projects.
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The most notable project is a pedestrian bridge across Keystone Avenue near East 49th Street for the future Nickel Plate Trail extension through Indianapolis.
“It’s a project that we’re really excited about,” said Indianapolis Department of Public Works director Brandon Herget. “We know there’s a lot of interest about safety, and specifically vulnerable road users on our trails and greenways.”
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“Pedestrian crashes happen far too often in our city,” added Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett. “This new bridge will make a world of difference.”
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However, the most expensive project covered by the $30 million is a makeover of Madison Avenue between Pleasant Run Parkway and Martin Street.
The $11.8 million revamp will reduce Madison Avenue from five lanes of traffic to four so DPW can build a new trail through Indianapolis’ south side.
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“That’s going to include a road diet. That’s going to include better pedestrian facilities,” Herget said. “We’re excited for that project, it’s been a long time coming, and I know the neighbors who use that infrastructure day in and day out sorely want to see that improvement.”
The road projects will not start construction until 2027.
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Here is a breakdown of the projects funded by the $30 million MPO investment:
- Madison Avenue road diet — $11.8 million
- County Line Road expansion between Depot Drive and Wood Creek Drive — $6 million
- Nickel Plate Trail bridge over Keystone Avenue — $4.9 million
- High School Road bridge over Conrail railroad — $2.2 million
- 38th Street bridge over Little Eagle Creek — $2.2 million
- Roundabout at 46th and Mitthoefer Road — $1.6 million
- 46th Street bridge over Indian Creek — $1.5 million
- Knozone funding — $320,000