5 key projects coming to Indy in 2023, including trails and converting 1-way roads
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works this week announced several construction projects to expect this year.
Here is what the department told IndyStar.
The Cultural Trail expansion
The two-mile expansion of the Cultural Trail that will connect the near south side and northwest side neighborhoods with downtown will be funded by $17 million, with expected completion late in the year.
The expansion will include two new segments: one on the south side along South Street from Capitol Avenue to New Jersey Street, and one on the northwest side at Madam Walker Legacy Center to 10th street and west into 16 Tech Innovation District.
Residents can expect to see the recognizable Cultural Trail pavers, landscaping including benches, lighting, bike racks and 115 trees along the new segments.
More:The Indianapolis Cultural Trail to get a $30 million expansion. Here's what to know.
Pedestrian safety measures
As Indianapolis reels from a record number of pedestrians killed in 2022, the Department of Public Works is spending $5.6 million on constructing pedestrian safety infrastructure at areas with high crash volume.
The areas were chosen by analyzing ARIES and EMS crash data looking for high frequency crashes within a limited geographic area, DPW said.
The five focus areas slated for improvement in 2023 are in Riverside, Crown Hill and the east side.
Potential improvements include curb ramps, sidewalk widening, sidewalk gap elimination, curb bump outs, medians, pavement markings, upgraded crossing messages, signage and signalization.
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More:A record 40 Indianapolis pedestrians killed by drivers in 2022
Nickel Plate Trail
The $12 million multiuse Nickel Plate Trail will run 10.3 miles from 42nd Street to 96th Street and connect to the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers, which is being extended to 96th Street.
More:Nickel Plate Trail getting closer to connecting Fishers, Noblesville, Indy
It will fill in the gap of missing connection to landmarks such as Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, Connor Prairie, the White River Greenway, downtown Indianapolis, Fishers and Noblesville.
Over 95,000 people in Marion County live within the communities adjacent to or within a mile of the Nickel Plate Trail, and over 2,250 employment sites that account for more than 30,000 jobs are located within a half-mile.
Michigan, New York streets
More than $11 million has been set aside to convert Michigan and New York streets from one-way to two-way roads. Michigan Street will become two-way from Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive to College Avenue. New York Street will become two-way from College Avenue to Emerson Avenue.
From the archive:Indianapolis looks at switching New York, Michigan streets to 2-way through IUPUI
The two-way conversion will significantly change traffic patterns. It is aimed at improving access to the area and operations for IndyGo bus route consolidation, allowing buses to operate in an east direction along Michigan.
College Avenue from Market Street to St. Clair Street will also become two-way using $2 million.
More on Michigan Street
Michigan Street might become more pedestrian-friendly through a $6 million road reconfiguration process to reduce travel lanes in hopes of calming traffic. The street will see more bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
The changes are the result of a community engagement process during the River West Quality of Life Plan that made clear a desire to calm traffic and increase livability and connectivity in the River West neighborhood.
Contact IndyStar reporter Ko Lyn Cheang at kcheang@indystar.com or 317-903-7071. Follow her on Twitter: @kolyn_cheang.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Key Indy projects, including Cultural, Nickel Plate trails
