Purple Line breaks ground in Indianapolis after years of planning

The Purple Line officially broke ground in Indianapolis Friday. Everyone was in a celebratory mood at the event marking the start of construction for IndyGo’s second bus rapid transit line.  The Red Line opened in 2019.

IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans said the new 15-mile route is the result of years of public, private, and community collaboration.

“We’re excited about the partnership on the Purple Line linking downtown Indianapolis to the city of Lawrence,” Evans said.

City and state leaders joined community members and others involved in the long planning process. The project overcame opposition at the Statehouse and City-County Council President Vop Osili said the Purple Line story has evolved into one of economic, environmental, and social equity.

“Because the truth is in Indianapolis, upward mobility requires actual mobility,” Osili said.

IndyGo said the Purple Line will offer quicker, more reliable bus services along with miles of infrastructure improvements – including new roadways, sidewalks, and safe pedestrian crossings – through some of the city’s most distressed neighborhoods.

The groundbreaking event was held within sight of the new Cook Medical facility at 38th and Arlington.The company has committed to neighborhood reinvestment and often touted the route as part of its vision.

The $188 million project is funded with $81 million in federal money.  Construction will start in phases next month.

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