Indianapolis gets $5M for third stage of Market Street reconstruction. When will it begin?

The city of Indianapolis received federal funding for the third stage of reconstructing Market Street downtown — though it will be a while before the project gets underway.

Mayor Joe Hogsett and Rep. André Carson, Democratic congressman for Indiana’s 7th District, announced $5 million in federal funding to rehab the stretch of Market Street from Illinois Street to the Indiana State Capitol Thursday.

“Downtown Market Street is one of Indiana's most historic roadways, made for the City Market that provided an early anchor for our city,” Hogsett said at a news conference. “These cobblestones unite Monument Circle with our Statehouse and all the way down to our city county building.”

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Carson said the $5 million comes from federal funding through Community Project Funds, which allow members of Congress to direct federal money to projects in their districts.

"These improvements will lead to a more attractive public space for all to enjoy," Carson said at the news conference, "drawing folks to the amateur sports capital of the world."

Department of Public Works director Brandon Herget said projects like this have a two- to three-year design timeline. The bulk of the construction work will take place in 2027 and 2028, Herget said.

While the $5 million will partially fund the project, as much as $5 to $7 million in additional city funding could be required, John Brown, chief engineer with the Department of Public Works, said.

What’s in the Market Street reconstruction project?

The project will refit Market Street to be more accessible for pedestrians and bikers, Herget said.

The project involves replacing all the bricks both on the sidewalk and the road, reducing the width of traffic lanes to create wider, more pedestrian-friendly streets and storefront space. The project also involves improving curbs and making curb ramps accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Brown said that it’s too early on in the planning to say how traffic would be impacted, but he expects that there may be some one-way requirements during construction.

What work has already been done on Market Street?

The previous two stages of the Market Street reconstruction project redid the block of East Market Street where the Indianapolis City Market is located and the stretch of Market Street from Monument Circle to Illinois Street, which is nearly complete.

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Notably, this project does not affect Monument Circle — a project that’s been talked about for some time, Brown said.

That's a project the city would like to get to, but will need more time for, according to Brown. Replacing the brick on Monument Circle, along with its northern and southern sections, will cost an estimated $54 million, according to previous IndyStar reporting.

Claire Rafford can be reached at 317-617-3402 or crafford@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis receives $5M for Market Street reconstruction