Construction for the IndyGo Purple and Blue Line Routes Is Delayed

Updated: Wednesday July 3, 2019 at 1:55 p.m.

Construction for the IndyGo Purple and Blue Line routes is delayed.

The Purple Line will now likely bid in summer or fall of 2020 and begin construction in 2021—the year it was first slated to open. The line runs from downtown Indianapolis to Lawrence, the current Route 39.

The Blue Line will now likely bid in 2022 and begin construction in 2023—at least a year after it was slated to open. It runs from Cumberland to the Indianapolis International airport, the current Route 8.

In a statement on IndyGo’s website, Bryan Luellen, Vice President of Public Affairs for IndyGo, says, “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.”

Also included in the online statement was Vice President of Planning and Capital Projects for IndyGo Justin Stuehrenberg.

“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,” Stuenhrenberg says.

This avoids overlapping Blue and Purple Line construction and keeps in mind other projects happening around the city.

Stuehrenberg says the Purple Line is projected to open in 2022. The Blue Line could open in late 2024.

The Red Line is still set to open September 1.