Nickel Plate Trail expansion through Indianapolis underway

A major rail to trail project kicks off expansion on Indianapolis’s northeast side.  The new stretch of the Nickel Plate Trail will go from the Indiana State Fairgrounds to Noblesville. Through the heart of numerous Indianapolis neighborhoods and Fishers, the trail is a key piece of Indianapolis infrastructure.

Indianapolis Department of Public Works Director Brandon Herget said the Nickel Plate Trail provides more than connection and transportation.

“As our city continues to grow, it is imperative that we prioritize safety and sustainability. This trail is a testament to our commitment to reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions and promoting active healthy living,” Herget said.

City, state and community leaders gathered to break ground on $14.8 million in investment for the trail project this week.

Democratic state representative Carey Hamilton has helped lead state support of trails.  The Next Level Trails initiative invested $5 million in Nickel Plate. Hamilton said the pandemic highlighted the need for this type of investment.

“Easy access to outdoor recreation, let alone active transportation, was really a huge benefit for people in their communities for their personal physical and mental health,” Hamilton said.

Portions of the trail will have connecting spurs to a park and school.  Once complete, a 41-mile connected regional trail loop will include portions of the Nickel Plate Trail, the Noblesville Midland Trace Trail, and the Monon Trail.

Neighborhood groups said the project has already spurred economic development. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the trail will impact many residents, beyond bikers and runners.

“However you travel, this multimodal form of transportation will be encouraged along the Nickel Plate. Best of all, we're already seeing investment and development along the upcoming route,” Hogsett said.

The city said about 100,000 residents live within a mile of the project.

Later this week a new, almost three-mile extension of the Nickel Plate Trail extension in Noblesville grows the trail from 146th street to Pleasant Street. This extension also received state funding of $3 million from the Next Level Trail initiative.

The rail to trail project follows the Nickel Plate Railroad that was built in the 1800s. The rail line linked Central Indiana to other large cities, including Chicago and New York.