Indianapolis Streets Closed For Dining During Pandemic Set To Reopen

Streets that have been closed for months, to expand outside restaurant seating, will open again after Labor Day. 

Sections of Monument Circle, Massachusetts Avenue, Georgia Street, Illinois Street and Broad Ripple Avenue were closed in May to allow local restaurants to expand outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic. Massachusetts Avenue and Broadripple Avenue have had the longest closures. Many people, including Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, have enjoyed the transformation.

"I have been personally impressed with the uses of public, temporary places and spaces, especially as multi-model thoroughfares," Hogsett said. 

The city worked with Park Indy to allow the closures.  Hogsett said due to a  longterm contract with the parking meter company, a permanent closure isn’t feasible. 

"The cost would be in the tens of millions of dollars before a single penny is spent on design and construction," Hogsett said. 

The city says it will work with businesses interested in expanding outdoor seating in other ways.