Local infrastructure projects will focus on pedestrian safety and high-crash intersections

Annual awards for Central Indiana road, transit, intersection and trail projects were announced this week.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization will award $47.5 million for projects. The amount is a decrease from last year, when $78 million was allocated. 2022 projects were boosted by an infusion of federal funding.

The IMPO holds an annual call out to local agencies to apply for federal project funding. Executive Director Anna Gremling said this year includes a focus on safety, and targets numerous high crash intersections.

“Anything we can do to help bring that down, we certainly want to invest in that type of infrastructure,” Gremling said.

The IMPO manages the funds and the 16 initiatives selected for funding are diverse. The projects selected include buses for IndyGo, roundabouts, greenways and bridges.

A roundabout project in Hamilton County will receive the largest amount, $8.7 million.

Each funded project requires a local funding match and is judged based on technical selection criteria, including impacts on air quality, improvements to congestion, pavement quality, and safety.

Gremling said a focus on pedestrians is also important.

“Every trip begins and ends with a walk trip, and certainly we do have a focus on pedestrian infrastructure -- and you will see a couple of those projects,” Gremling said.

The projects selected are planned for 2026.

Local MPOs are necessary to receive federal funds for transit, transportation alternatives and roadway improvements. The Indianapolis MPO encompasses 1,520 square miles and includes eight counties and 31 cities and towns.

The projects receiving funds this year include the following:

Beech Grove Arlington, Elmwood, & Hanna Roundabout Intersection Improvement - $1,725,570
CIRTA Commuter Connect Carpool Vanpool Program - $1,136,051
Hamilton Co. 146th & Hazel Dell Intersection Improvement - $8,718,340
Indianapolis Southport & Five Points Rd Roundabout Intersection Improvement - $1,915,650
Indianapolis Post & Troy Ave Roundabout Intersection Improvement - $1,683,000
Indianapolis Mitthoefer Rd over Bells Run Bridge Rehabilitation - $1,355,200
Indianapolis 86th St from Meridian to Allisonville Pedestrian Enhancement - $2,286,900
Indianapolis Eagle Creek Greenway ‐ Phase 2B Bicycle Enhancement - $3,498,629 Indianapolis Eagle Creek Greenway ‐ Phase 2C Bicycle Enhancement - $4,307,058
Indianapolis Madison Ave (Phase 2) from Martin St to Hanna Ave Roadway Rehabilitation - $3,869,096
Indianapolis Raymond over Pleasant Run Bridge Rehabilitation - $1,606,000
Indianapolis Shelby St over Pleasant Run Bridge Rehabilitation - $2,182,400
IndyGo Blue Line BRT ‐ Bus Purchase Transit - $4,654,945
Noblesville Midland Trace Trail ‐ Phase 2 Pedestrian Enhancement - $494,400
Noblesville Pleasant St ‐ Phase 3 New Road Construction - $5,475,700
Westfield 181st & Wheeler Rd Roundabout Intersection Improvement - $2,314,400

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