New Bridge Opens On Monon Trail

The Monon Trail has a new bridge across 38th Street on Indianapolis’ north side. The long coming investment improves safety for trail users and motorists.

When the rail trail was established in Indianapolis in the late ‘90s the path took pedestrians and bikers right across busy 38th Street, just west of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It remained that way until now.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said he uses the trail often and the new steel truss bridge was much needed.

“What we are celebrating today is a critical addition to one of the most highly used urban trails in the country,” Hogsett said.

The investment was first announced in 2015. Nearly half of the $5.8 million project was funded with federal transportation money.

The Monon Trail sees an estimated 1.3 million users a year. The completed greenway project also includes new sidewalks and improved trail connections.

Hogsett said since the pandemic more people, including himself, are enjoying Indianapolis greenways.

“I like to walk to work, it takes me a while, I like to walk home from work,” Hogsett said, “and I’m able to do that because of the Monon Trail.

A new Pacers Bike Share location is also installed near the bridge.