Bridge projects planned for 2024 include rehab of 16th St bridge

Jill Sheridan

The Department of Public Works said it has invested more than $170 million dollars in bridge work over the past five years, including what’s planned for this year.
*File Photo: WFYI*

At least 14 bridge projects are scheduled for work during the 2024 construction season.

The Department of Public Works said it has invested more than $170 million dollars in bridge work over the past five years, including what’s planned for this year.

One of the larger projects is the rehabilitation of the 16th St. bridge that connects Indianapolis to Speedway over the White River. The bridge was constructed in the 1940s and is one of only a few routes over the river on the city’s northwest side.

Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili talked about the project at a press conference this week.

“Maintaining the historic integrity while enhancing safety underscores our commitment to honoring our city's heritage while advancing its future,” Osili said.

The $17.5 million project will start this year with structure patching. A full, two-year closure is expected starting in 2025.

The timing of the closure is being coordinated with ongoing work on the 30th Street Bridge over White River, which will be used as an alternate route. Pedestrian access to the bridge that overlooks historic Belmont Beach will be maintained throughout the project.

Executive Director of Friends of Belmont Beach Ebony Chappel said the bridge is a community connector.

“The prospect of enhanced safety and connectivity fills us with optimism and enthusiasm for the future,” Chappel said.

The bridge work is part of the $363 million in infrastructure investments planned for this year.

Here are some of the planned bridge projects:

Keystone Ave over White River
Pennsylvania Street over Williams Creek
38th Street over Dry Run
34th Street over Falcon Creek
30th St over White River
Emerson Ave over Pogue's Run
West Washington Street over Little Eagle Creek
16th Street over White River
16th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street over the Canal
Union Station Bridge Rehabilitation
Acton Road over Maze Creek
Westfield Boulevard over the Canal
Derbyshire Rd over Derbyshire Creek

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.

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