More trails, sidewalks and road reconstruction included for Indianapolis DPW this season

Indianapolis has kicked off its infrastructure projects for 2023, with an added investment this season.

This year’s construction plans include $443 million in road, bridge, storm water and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. That is part of $1.1 billion in planned projects over the next five years, and an increase in spending over previous years.

The kickoff was held at Luna Language Services, which sits along North Meridian Street. Founder and CEO Chris Waters said his business plays a vital role in welcoming immigrants to the city.

“And to have a smooth and accessible entry not only puts Indianapolis in a good light, but our business as well,” Waters said.

The North Meridian Street corridor will undergo a $3.8 million reconstruction that includes new roadway, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. 

Other significant projects include the West Michigan Street Road Diet, which builds bike infrastructure, and the Nickel Plate Trail conversion. More than 200 miles of street reconstruction are included this season.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said this round of construction focuses on pedestrian safety and accessibility with more new and rehabbed sidewalks.

“One hundred forty-eight thousand linear feetworks out to be about 30 miles of new sidewalks throughout Marion County,” Hogsett said.

More than 108,000 linear feet of new trails and 16 bridge projects are planned.

The city says it’s also working with state lawmakers to improve the funding formula that does not favor Marion County. The city supports a bill that would change a decades-old rule to include townships in Marion County and increase population counts.

A more permanent fix, which changes rules that factor only center lane miles into the formula, is not likely this year.

Construction on many projects starts this month.

View the full 2023 Construction Season list and map that shows where work will be completed this year.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.