More Indianapolis roadways converted to two-way in an effort to improve travel and safety

A number of Indianapolis streets are undergoing reconstruction to turn them from one-way to two-way streets in an effort to improve traffic flow.

A stretch of College Ave from Market Street to St Clair Street will be open to drivers headed north or southbound in February. The roadway is one of several being converted to two-way by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

In a statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city is keeping up with transportation advancements. “And – as residents and visitors continue to evolve in the ways they get around – so must the City’s infrastructure,” he said.

The city is making the changes in an effort to reduce speeds, provide more routes, and improve economic opportunity. The $3.6 million dollar conversion project also adds protected bike lanes and flashing crosswalks.  The construction followed the city’s Complete Streets policy to improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety.

Last year DPW started two-way conversions through city investment and federal funding from RAISE grants. Other Indianapolis streets are targeted for the change over the next few years. 

Two more downtown roads to receive two-way upgrades include stretches of New York and Michigan streets.  $20 million will be invested to convert the streets between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park.

The overhaul of New York and Michigan streets coincides with an effort to replace lead service lines beneath several of the streets being converted into two ways.

The city says the community has advocated for the change for years. The project will start this spring and includes a partnership with Citizens Energy to replace hundreds of lead service lines.

City-County Council President Vop Osili said in a statement the move aims to improve communities.  “We intend to bring this kind of collaboration to more neighborhoods around the city, and I look forward to seeing more partnerships like this.”

The city plans to invest more than $1 billion in infrastructure over five years.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.