INDIANAPOLIS — UPDATE: Indy DPW said construction finished earlier than expected on Fall Creek Parkway near the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and all lanes are back open as of Wednesday, April 24.
Construction along Fall Creek Parkway near the Indiana State Fairgrounds continues to cause headaches for drivers.
The work began Monday between 38th Street and Keystone Avenue. It will last until May.
Crews are working on the Nickel Plate Trail that will go from 42nd Street to Hamilton County along the former railroad.
But buckle up because this is just the beginning.
The $15 million investment is broken into three phases.
“We are obviously in that phase one portion of moving further north where we can start phase two and phase three of the Nickel Plate Trail as we push forward,” said Corey Ohlenkamp, a spokesperson with Indy DPW.
Right now, phase one is situated next to Joseph's Imports Inc. on Fall Creek Parkway. The family-run business imports rugs from all around the world.
“It’s a third-generation business. My grandfather started it in 1949 as Mark and Jane’s department store. That was downtown Indy. Now, we have moved here in '83,” said Mike Joseph, the owner’s son.
Just as his family’s business has changed, so has the area.
Joseph still remembers the old State Fair Train that would rumble by on the old Nickel Plate Railroad.
“I remember all the people waving, and it was a sight and smashing pennies on the track. I have a lot of memories tied into that,” Joseph said.
Now, those tracks are covered with weeds, which will soon transform into the city’s latest trail.
“It will be nice to have walkability in this area that historically has had none,” Joseph said.
Over the next few months, Indy DPW said residents can expect to see brush clearing, trail leveling and concreting, and small drainage issues addressed.
“The faster we can get these connections built and really bring this project full throttle means a transformative investment for the residents of the area,” Ohlenkamp said.
Indy DPW said future full road closures will have established detours, and advance warning signs will be placed a minimum of two weeks prior to closing. Any work that does not require a full closure will be performed with barrels and flaggers as needed if the work extends into any intersections.
The trail is expected to be done in spring 2025, but Indy DPW said weather will play a big part in that.
You can find more information and updates on construction here.
Upcoming work on the Nickel Plate Trail
On or after April 24, 42nd Street will be closed from Ralston to Evanston avenues. Access will be maintained to all residences within this area, and the contractor that is performing work will also assist with providing access to trash and mail services during working hours.
The initial work will be performed without a full road closure.
In the upcoming weeks, the contractor may begin work on 52nd Street. They are trying to get additional crews to work on this to speed up the process. 52nd Street will not be closed for this work.
The most noticeable change to 52nd Street will be the elimination of the short, right-turn-only lane on eastbound 52nd Street, just east of Keystone Avenue along Walgreens. This turn lane will be removed and replaced with sidewalk, curb and grass.