INDIANAPOLIS — Members of the community came together Tuesday to brainstorm ideas for the future of the interstates in downtown Indianapolis.
The Rethink Coalition is a community-based organization working to get Interstate 70 and Interstate 65 constructed differently.
The group's leaders say they want to improve connectivity, pedestrian access and traffic efficiency.
"This involves all of us," said Brenda Freije, the president and CEO of the coalition. "It's not just about interstates. It's about the whole quality of place in downtown, which is a key economic driver for the whole region and the state."
Last December, 13News reported on the organization's vision for biking, walking and even living atop highways while cars and buses whiz by underneath and unperturbed. The vision sees large chunks of downtown Indianapolis' inner loop moved below street level to make way for more public space.
The group's renderings showed how a recessed interstate could look in Indianapolis if the city were to build recessed interstates, a technique that drops the interstate or highway down into a trench of sorts, so that the boulevards are reconnected above. The concept could create walkable traffic circles, public green space and more housing.
“It makes it easier to access and get across the interstate when you’re just trying to walk or ride your bike, or just stay on the boulevard level of street traffic,” said Freije.
Recessed interstates are nothing new. Cities like Dallas, Boston and Atlanta have already found success turning new land available from moving interstates underground into public parks or retail areas.
The city’s interstates are already nearing the end of their lifecycle, prompting construction projects like the North Split to keep them safe and updated for commuters.