November 29, 2022

Some West Washington Street infrastructure work cut from Blue Line project is back on

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced a $20 million investment in West Washington Street. - FILE photo/WFYI

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced a $20 million investment in West Washington Street.

FILE photo/WFYI

A portion of West Washington Street recently excluded from bus rapid transit investment is targeted for infrastructure upgrades. 

The section of Washington Street from Holt Road to Lynhurst Drive will receive stormwater, road and sidewalk improvements.  Many areas along West Washington Street are long overdue for numerous rehabilitation projects. 

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced the $20 million investment this week and said it will also reach the Fleming Gardens neighborhood. The funding will come from DPW and more than $12 million from the Airport TIF district.

About $50 million in upgrades for West Washington Street had been planned as part of IndyGo’s Blue Line project, but the route was shifted to Interstate 70 in October as construction costs soared.

In a written statement City-County Councillor Jared Evans, who represents the area, said he’s grateful for the investment.

"This is more than an infrastructure project, it is a quality of life project for the Fleming Garden Community,” Evans said. “This project will give people safe access to transit, food, local businesses, and much more.”

The design phase will start in the coming months with construction to follow in 2025.

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

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