IndyGo Purple Line construction coming soon

IndyGo board of directors is set to vote on the approval of construction contracts for the Purple Line Thursday, marking the official kick off for Indianapolis’ second bus rapid transit line after the Red Line.

Attempts at the Statehouse to derail the Purple Line for the past two years haven't stopped plans for the construction along 38th Street. The new $187 million line will connect Downtown and Lawrence through east side neighborhoods that have long been neglected. Federal funding will cover $81 million of the costs.

IndyGo Director of Communications Carrie Black said about half of the budget is going to improve infrastructure.

“So this is going to mean new sidewalks, paving, storm sewer separation, a multi use path,” Black said.

The contracts will be awarded to two companies that will build out the corridor including dedicated bus lines and stations with new technology.

The existing route along 38th St is already one of IndyGo’s most heavily traveled routes.

Many areas along 38th Street have crumbling or missing sidewalks as well as damaged, dangerous crossings

Black said this type of investment is a win for the community, even for people who don’t ride the bus.

“When you put in bus rapid transit like this and when you improve a community, that also drives economic development and more jobs and more opportunities,” Black said.

Some investment is already happening in the area including the Cook Medical project at 38th Street and Sheridan Avenue. 

Utility work is already underway along parts of 38th Street. Major construction will begin in the spring of 2022 with buses up and running by 2024.

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