INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works held a press conference to discuss growth and upgrades to local infrastructure.
Among the plans is the pursuit of two-way street conversions which aim to improve access along transit networks, navigation for motorists and safety for pedestrians.
“Indianapolis will be raising the level of investment closer to where it should have always been for a city of our size – both geographically and demographically,” Hogsett said. “Just as critically, our city will return to a mindset that elevates pedestrian and driver safety well above speed. That goal is apparent in the project we celebrate today—the two-way conversion of Fort Wayne Avenue.”
The recently completed segment of Fort Wayne Avenue is just one portion of an entire project that will reconstruct Delaware Street and remove underground streetcar tracks between Maryland and Vermont Streets.
According to a release from Indianapolis DPW, two-way conversions improve the livability of a neighborhood by significantly reducing collisions and increasing cyclist and pedestrian safety by calming traffic.
Fort Wayne Avenue is just the first of many future two-way conversion projects. In the coming years, residents will see at least three more projects on major thoroughfares including Downtown portions of College Avenue and eastern segments of both New York and Michigan streets.
During the time of change, DPW Director Dan Parker asks for patience and respect for one another on the road.
“Folks need to be cognizant of the fact that traffic patterns are going to be changing,” Parker said. “It is going to slow people down, but we need to make sure that we don’t create any head on collisions.”
These projects will be made possible by the proposed budget for 2023 — previously announced by Mayor Hogsett earlier this month.
The proposed capital improvement plan presented at the City-County Council meeting laid out $1.15 billion to be spent on reconstructing transportation and stormwater infrastructure in Marion County throughout the next five years.
This includes just less than $400 million expected to be spent in 2023. This piece of the proposed budget was unanimously given a do-pass recommendation by the Public Works Committee last Thursday for approval by the full City-County Council.
The DPW outlines more about the current project on their website.
-
ESPN: Myles Turner signs four-year deal with Milwaukee Bucks
Myles Turner, the longest-tenured player of the Indiana Pacers, has agreed to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN sources.Get ready for flavor at the 2025 Indiana State Fair: Taste of the Fair lineup
The Indiana State Fair has unveiled its 2025 Taste of the Fair lineup, featuring 40 culinary delights that celebrate the creativity and Hoosier pride of local vendors.IU Police Academy trains recruits on ASL and Deaf culture
Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) recruits are receiving training in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture.'Eyes on the Child: Water Safety' campaign aims to prevent drownings
While aquatic recreation can be fun, it can also be dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old, according to the CDC.