INDIANAPOLIS — A long-planned infrastructure improvement through the east side of Indianapolis is almost ready for cars.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works says Michigan and New York Streets east of College Avenue could open to both directions of travel this summer. It is DPW's latest effort to convert large one-way streets for two-way traffic.
"Our engineers call it disrespectful infrastructure," DPW spokesperson Kyle Bloyd said about large one-way roads such as Michigan and New York Streets. "It is disrespectful to the neighborhoods they cut through."
DPW planned the Michigan and New York Street conversions in 2023 and started construction more than a year ago. The pavement work is done and crews are now installing new traffic lights.
Laura Nolen lives along Michigan Street near Woodruff place. She says the new infrastructure in place has already slowed down drivers past her home.
"Before the construction, drivers used to speed frequently. It happened every day," Nolen said. "They could have hit me."
Bloyd says the goal of the two-way street conversions is making the roads more enjoyable for the people who live there.
"These are a kind of a relic of a by-gone era," Bloyd said. "You take a look around, there's parks, houses, dense housing. These neighborhood streets should feel like neighborhood streets."
According to Bloyd, DPW will convert parts of 29th and 30th Streets into two-way traffic once construction on Michigan and New York Streets is done.
-
IMPD urges peace this weekend after recent gun violence
This comes after a mass shooting last weekend that killed two and injured five. IMPD and Indiana State Police will have an increased presence downtown this weekend.
Kelsey Mitchell scores 25, Fever beat the Dream 99-82
Kelsey Mitchell scored 25 points, Aliyah Boston had 19 points, six rebounds and eight assists, and the Indiana Fever used a 59-point second half to beat the Atlanta Dream 99-82 on Friday night.
New book highlights Caitlin Clark's impact on Indy and beyond
'On Her Game' by USA Today Columnist Christine Brennan follows Caitlin Clark during her rookie season.
$160 million facility to manufacture cancer treatment opens in Indianapolis
Bristol Myers Squibb is preparing to ship a new and possibly life-changing cancer treatment to patients across the world. The doses will be made and researched in Indianapolis.
