Emerson Avenue overhaul includes path and new bridge

Indianapolis is planning to spend over $1.1 billion on road and infrastructure projects over the next five years.  One of those projects is a new $11 million effort to overhaul Emerson Avenue on the city’s southeast side.

The first phase of the road improvement project will reconstruct the busy roadway between Stop 11 Road and Southport Crossing Place.  The upgrades include new pavement, sidewalks, a bridge and a multi-use path along the stretch.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said that will increase connectivity.

“That means more walkers, more runners, more cyclists from the southeast side will have a protected route to their destination,” Hogsett said.

When it’s completed, the new Emerson Avenue will be a $30 million renovation.  Parts of the roadway are already finished. The city used federal, state and local money to address long standing issues. 

District 21 City-County Councilor Frank Mascari (D-21) said this project is overdue for the southside.

“You gotta remember there are 25 City-County Councilors and that budget is spread all around and we’re all fighting for our piece,” Mascari said.

Hogsett presented the 2023 operational budget to the council last week.  It calls for nearly $400 million for Department of Public Works projects.  DPW Director Dan Parker said the Emerson Avenue upgrades along the stretch of road where Franciscan Health is located has been planned for years.

“It wasn’t until we had additional resources that we could actually go forward with this project,” Parker said.

Construction should be completed next year.

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