INDIANAPOLIS — Speeding, even drag racing, is a problem around Indianapolis, resulting in crashes, injuries and fatalities, sometimes hours apart.
"The street should serve the residents who live along that street without compromising their safety," said Jordan Williams, DPW's senior project manager for road design.
Williams said a project in the works aims to improve safety.
Drivers go faster on one-way streets than two-way streets, according to the federal highway administration.
"When you have two lanes in each direction, people can line up to each other and literally drag race. When you have one lane in each direction, you no longer can do that," said Williams.
Roads with lanes in both directions create a more direct route, better visibility and more business.
A planning study identified eight thoroughfares in central Indianapolis that need converted.
$46 million is driving an existing project, thanks to a federal grant and city dollars. "Now, we have the horsepower so to speak," Williams said.
The following roads will be converted:
- Capitol Avenue from 21st to 38th streets
- Illinois Street from 21st to 38th streets
- Pennsylvania Street from I-65N to Fall Creek Parkway S Drive
- Delaware Street from I-65N to Fall Creek Parkway S Drive
- Alabama Street from Washington Street to Michigan Street
- New Jersey Street from Washington Street to Michigan Street
- East Street from Washington Street to 10th Street
- College Avenue from Virginia Avenue to Market Street
DPW said Central Avenue between Fall Creek and 10th Street, which has been completed, is a good example of what's to come.
"As a pedestrian, it was very hostile. It was still the same number of lanes, it felt like a major highway coming right at you. Now, it feels like a much more residential, calm space to be," Williams said. The city is now in the design process.
"I think very much these two-way conversions will elevate the people who live along the streets and the city as a whole, make it a much more attractive place to live and comfortable for people playing outside with their children outside," said Williams.
Although DPW does not have a specific timeline, it estimates the streets to be completed within the next decade.