INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools is working to make one school safer for students as they go to and head home from class.
When students cross Washington Street in front of George W. Julian School 57, they may have to fight speeding traffic.
"Our goal is to re-emphasize our commitment to safety, security and accessibility," IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson said.
That's why school leaders plan to take that city to the street.
Tuesday afternoon, the school broke ground on a new street safety project, which will start when crews tear down Brown Library.
"This operation will last about eight weeks to bring the building down, to excavate out everything and remove it," John Fay, head project manager said.
Once the building is down, crews will turn the area into an expanded parking lot. They'll also create a new flow of traffic in and out of the school.
This is all part of the $410 million Rebuilding Stronger Referendum through IPS.
"This new configuration will also enhance safety for our car riders with a designated pedestrian island and dedicated unloading spot for our students," principal Camille Haley said.
These renovations come three years after School 57 student Hannah Crutchfield, 7, was struck and killed while crossing the street. Now school leaders want to make sure this doesn't happen again.
Community groups have used tactical urbanism to try and slow down traffic in the area.
"Outside safety is a top priority, making sure our students come and return to their homes, so yes that was a big push," Haley said.
There will also be upgrades inside the school during the renovation period. Demolition on the library begins Wednesday and the final project will be completed by the summer of 2025.