Business owner reacts to nearby Purple Line road closures

IndyGo crews are preparing to start blocking off roads for construction of the Purple Line, which will connect downtown Indianapolis to Lawrence.

By: Kayla Molander

INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo workers will block off roads starting Thursday for construction of the new Purple Line, which will connect downtown Indianapolis to Lawrence once complete.

For ten days, 38th Street will be closed in both directions between Fall Creek Parkway and Orchard Avenue. That will roll into the closure of eastbound traffic from Fall Creek to Keystone for 130 days. Detours will be in place for both closures.

“We're looking at some temporary headaches over the next two years, as we do construction for the Purple Line. But that's going to yield a lifetime of happiness when you talk about what this is going to mean for this very vulnerable community,” said IndyGo spokesperson Carrie Black.

Nearby business owners expressed concern with the construction — especially Bashar Hugais, owner of Phyre Smokes on 38th Street and Keystone Avenue.

Purple Line construction — IndyGo crews are preparing to start blocking off roads for construction of the Purple Line.

Hugais just opened his doors on Sunday, and his Thursday Grand Opening celebration coincides with the first day of the road closures.

“Every day I feel like business is increasing, but obviously with road closures, it's slowing us down a bit,” he said. “With construction going on, it's a little tough for people to just stop by, you know?”

Black said the end result will be worth it, especially for residents of the Far Eastside.

“We're talking connecting to jobs, to healthcare, to education,” she said. “When you're talking about bringing a community together, when you're talking about walkability, when you're talking about transit — these things also mean economic development.”