City of Indianapolis plans to keep investing in residential roadways

Millions more in infrastructure spending is in the budget for Indianapolis in 2024, and the city plans to keep targeting rundown residential streets.

When Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett presented the 2024 budget, he highlighted $25 million in spending for neighborhood roads. Last week, Hogsett joined other city leaders to showcase recently completed restoration of a near eastside intersection near Brookside Park.

“Historically, full rehabs of neighborhood streets like this one are pretty rare in Indianapolis,” Hogsett said.

Over the past three years, the city has increased spending to improve neglected residential roadways.

Department of Public Works Director Brandon Herget said over the past three years, $75 million has been invested in neighborhood streets, resulting in the repair of about 400 road segments.

“DPW has targeted thoroughfares because that’s the going to see the highest use, and so it’s the best use of taxpayer dollars but we’re at a point now – working together –  we’ve been able to grow the budget to be able to address neighborhood concerns as well,” Herget said.

In 2017 DPW’s capital budget was $123 million. The new 2024 proposal sets aside $363 million for projects.

Hogsett said a continued investment for public works brings the five-year infrastructure spending plan up in total funding.

“I should also add that this effort is just one part of our 1.2 billion dollar capital infrastructure plan that is already underway,” Hogsett said.

Councilors will vote on a final budget in October.

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