INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Cultural Trail on Virginia Avenue is a community asset for both Fountain Square and Fletcher Place, but pedestrians may feel squeezed out on other bridges between the neighborhoods. A project will soon provide space to walk and bike across another crossing.
Neighbors will soon install temporary barriers on Calvary Street across Interstate 65/70. When it is in place, pedestrians and cyclists can safely use a lane normally reserved for cars.
"This is a great way to say, 'What can we do as a group of neighbors to actually improve our infrastructure,'" said Fountain Square Neighborhood Association president Dakota Pawlicki.
Barriers will be installed on the south side of Calvary Street in April and will be removed in October. The project will also include a permanent paint job for the bridge's median.
The barriers are currently sitting in Pawlicki's driveway before neighbors paint them this weekend.
Pawlicki said the temporary project is needed because the sidewalks on Calvary Street are not wide enough for pedestrians with pets or strollers. He believes it is the best option for now due to its cost.
"This project is $13,000," Pawlicki said. "All of the money from our side comes from donations from neighbors who said, 'Yes, this is important to us.'"
Ashley Floyd lives near the bridge and constantly uses the Cultural Trail to walk her dog. She is looking forward to the improvements.
"Before work, I always come do a little lap to Bovaconti and down Cultural Trail," Floyd said. "I don't think I could ever live in another situation where I couldn't walk out of my house and walk down the street comfortably."
Pawlicki said the barriers are the best way right now to connect two neighborhoods separated by a highway.
"Any attempt we can make to reduce that divide is one that is worth pursuing," Pawlicki said.
The project will also feature temporary safety measures on McCarty Street and College Avenue.
-
“The Sports Bra” is coming to Indy, pop-up events already drawing big crowds
Before it even opens, the women-focused bar is building community through Fever watch parties and citywide pop-up events.
Spencer Shrader converts from 45 yards, Colts beat Broncos 29-28
Spencer Shrader made a 45-yard field goal with no time left, and the Indianapolis Colts beat Denver 29-28 on Sunday for their first 2-0 start since 2009.
Dream beat Fever 80-68 in Game 1 of WNBA playoffs
the Atlanta Dream beat the Indiana Fever 80-68 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round playoff series.
Indy nonprofit highlights suicide prevention, recovery month with free programs
Recovery Café Indy is offering special programming throughout the month to support individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, incarceration and other life struggles.
