IndyGo delays work and completion of Blue and Purple Lines

INDIANAPOLIS—The good news from IndyGo, the Indianapolis transit system, is that its Red Line bus rapid transit route will be open for business in two months.

But, work and completion on the two routes planned after the Red Line is being delayed.

Purple Line: Work on this line, which will connect downtown Indianapolis with Lawrence, was scheduled to begin by early-2020. It's now being pushed back to 2021. Purple Line buses will run north on Meridian Street, head east on 38th Street and then north on Post Road.

Blue Line: Blue Line construction is now set to begin in 2023, about two years behind schedule. The Blue Line will run along Washington Street from the Indianapolis east side to the airport.

A number of factors go into the new work schedule. "IndyGo is adjusting its Capital Plan timelines for Blue and Purple Lines to acquire needed property, coordinate with DPW and utilities, and to finalize federal grants," said Bryan Luellen, IndyGo Vice President of Public Affairs.

"With our Purple Line construction schedule and the recent announcement that the North Split and Interstate 69 will be happening in 2021 and 2022, we see a need to revise the Blue Line timeline and relieve pressure on commuters and the available contractors," said IndyGo Vice President Justin Stuehrenberg.

As for the Red Line, a September 1 opening is planned for the route which will run from the north to south side of the city, with more than 30 dedicated passenger stations. IndyGo says the Red Line is the nation's first battery-electric bus rapid transit system.