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.
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.”
Hugais also sees potential in the familiar shade of construction barriers, even if it’s a headache for now.
“You do see buildings being built all over, you see these cranes, things being built. They have a plan set up for this area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Black said the development will benefit Indianapolis.
“Regardless of where you live in Indianapolis, whether you ride the bus or not, this is great news for our city,” she said.
-
Hamilton Co. Parks & Rec hopes community support helps improve park offerings
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department is asking for community support to fund educational programs and natural habitat restoration efforts that serve residents at little to no cost.
100 Black Men of Indianapolis program guides Indianapolis youth toward success
The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis brings together volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds to serve as role models for boys and girls throughout the city.
Walmart kicks off Who-Knew-Ville Campaign, delivers gifts to Southport residents
Walmart in Greenwood kicked off the company’s Who-Knew-Ville holiday campaign by quietly dropping off gifts in a nearby neighborhood early Tuesday morning.
Man dies in hospital from shooting on east side of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are investigating a shooting on the city's east side that left one person in critical condition on Wednesday.
