INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo has completed the design of the upcoming Blue Line bus rapid transit.
IndyGo expects to get bids for the project in the coming weeks. Work could start in early 2025 and could open between 2027 and 2028.
The Blue Line will stretch from Cumberland on the east side all the way to the Indianapolis International Airport on the west side.
Along the way, IndyGo says the route will include:
- Almost 10 miles of new or replaced sidewalks
- 30 covered station boarding platforms
- More than 2 miles of new or updated crosswalks
- 359 new ADA curb ramps
- Almost 50 miles of road resurfacing
- 7.5 miles of updated storm sewer drainage
- 63 updated traffic signals
"Reaching the Blue Line’s 100% design is a huge success," said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. "We've worked diligently these past few years to adapt and ensure this project will benefit everyone traveling along the corridor, whether you're a rider, driver or pedestrian. Now, we can enter a new phase where we begin constructing stronger bus service between the airport, downtown and our historic East Washington Street neighborhoods, while improving safety for all."
IndyGo says more than 45,000 people will live within a short walk of Blue Line stations. It could reduce transit travel times by as much as 35%.
The Blue Line's future was in danger at the start of 2024. A bill in the Statehouse would have banned dedicated bus lanes, a requirement for some of the federal money paying for the project. The bill died when several Irvington businesses turned against the bill after discussions with the public.
The Blue Line is the third bus rapid transit line for IndyGo. The Purple Line has just completed construction, and is scheduled to open on Oct. 13, 2024, running between downtown and Lawrence. The Red Line opened in 2019.
