INDIANAPOLIS — A yearslong revitalization project on Indy's near west side is now complete.
On Tuesday, community leaders cut the ribbon on a new corridor of West Morris Street.
The section between Eagle Creek and Harding Street is now what the city calls a "complete street," courtesy of the Morris Street Revitalization Project.
"We created this plan 15 years ago," said Lisa Laflin, executive director of West Indianapolis Development Corporation.
The goal of the project is to make the busy thoroughfare safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
"Yeah, it's been a very long time coming," said Brandon Herget, director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. "The neighborhood has been calling out for this project for the better part of a decade."
"Now, the spotlight is here and people are starting to feel that," said Laflin.
The $10.3 million project is complete with two miles of resurfaced roads, more than 3,000 feet of new sidewalk, 4,000 feet of new trails, 47 new ADA ramps, streetlights, and landscaping.
"This is what we at the city call a 'complete street,'" said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett during Tuesday's ribbon cutting. "This road will serve as a direct connection between the city's center and our west side communities."
Herget said the project also includes two-way left turn lanes, divided medians, parking bump outs, and bike lanes.
Underground, 4,500 feet of new stormwater drainage has also been installed.
"What a great day to be in west Indy," said District 18 City-County Councilor Kristin Jones. "I am so thrilled to be here today to celebrate the revitalization of West Morris Street."
"It starts to feel more like a small town, more like a neighborhood, instead of a busy city street," said Herget. "I think that's what neighbors here deserve."
"We are so very excited that this gets to be the kickoff for maybe the next 10 years of our work," said Laflin.
Over the next five years, Indy DPW plans to invest more than $300 million into similar Complete Streets projects. A spokesperson says 30% of the department's capital budget will be allocated to Complete Streets in 2025.