Cultural Trail expansion aims to connect more neighborhoods

An expansion of the renowned Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick, is set to begin in November.

It is the first expansion in ten years.

Executive Director, Karen Haley said the idea behind the expansion is to enhance connectivity among neighborhoods.

“It is all about connection. Physically connecting us to different places, physically connecting us to so many cultural institutions, cultural experiences that are outdoors, which is so important right now,” Haley said.

The expansion adds almost two miles.

“We will be providing construction updates especially for the people and businesses along the construction corridors and people can sign up to get those updates on our website,” Haley said.

Construction is expected to wrap up in 2023.

The Indianapolis Board of Public Works recently approved a contract with Beaty Construction to build the first expansion.

The nonprofit has raised $28.5 million toward the estimated $30 million project.

The expansion includes two segments.

The Indiana Avenue expansion will connect directly to the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue and continue north to 10th street. It will then head west on 10th to the planned bridge leading to the 16 Tech Innovation District.

The South Street expansion will bring the trail from New Jersey Street to Capitol Avenue, that improves access to a stretch of downtown that includes Lucas Oil and The Indiana Convention Center.  It will also create a connection between downtown and near southside neighborhoods and the Stadium Village area.