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.
-
Police: Man fatally shot in Columbus; shooter says victim attacked him
An investigation is underway after a man was fatally shot at a home in Columbus Monday morning, with the shooter claiming he was attacked by the victim.
Off-duty Lawrence police officer arrested for driving while intoxicated
An off-duty Lawrence police officer was arrested over the weekend after he showed signs of impairment during a traffic stop.
Jury trial begins for mom accused in death of 5-year-old Kinsleigh Welty
The mother charged with murder in the “horrific” death of her 5-year-old daughter Kinsleigh Welty will appear in court Monday for the start of her jury trial.
Rain early, cloudy afternoon, more rain chances midweek
Rain comes to an end later this morning. Lots of clouds through the day today with breezy conditions.
