INDIANAPOLIS — A traffic headache on Indianapolis' west side is expected to stick around until summer 2025.
Now, however, more than a thousand citizens who live and work near the construction zone are asking the city of Indianapolis to "prioritize and accelerate" the project.
The Washington Street bridge over Little Eagle Creek has been closed for months. Earlier this year, Indy DPW announced the historic 100-year-old bridge was in worse shape than originally thought.
Instead of the original four-month plan, the construction is expected to last about 15 months, with Washington Street closed in both directions.
Billy Choate grew up on the west side. He said the construction zone has become a major safety concern, especially for pedestrians.
"People cross it every day to get back and forth from their home or wherever," said Choate. "It's heartbreaking. A lot of people don't want to go take that way to get here."
Choate also notices how the lack of traffic is impacting local businesses.
"You've got Joe's Auto Sales," said Choate. "They've been here for years. These guys right here are losing business bad."
George Krier, who works at Joe's Auto Sales, said the current business model isn't sustainable for another year. He's worried other nearby businesses may have to shut their doors for good.
That's why Krier, with the help of the owners of Joe's, decided to create a petition to the city of Indianapolis.
"We did this as a last resort," said Krier. "I don't know if these work or not, but this is some way maybe to get somebody's attention, saying, 'Hey, we need some help here.'"
Krier is not alone. So far, more than 1,400 people have signed the petition. Krier keeps a stack of each day's petitions on his desk.
"This particular day, there was 51," said Krier. "This one was 54. This day was 55, and it goes on, 127."
Indy DPW shared the following statement in response to the petition's concerns. 13News asked for an in-person interview, but we were told a spokesperson was not available Thursday.
"Indy DPW is continuing to work with contractors to expedite completion and minimize impact of the Washington Street Bridge project.
As has previously been reported, bridge components were in worse shape than anticipated.
As a result, project managers are awaiting new design elements from a contractor and the corresponding materials to complete this important and necessary work.
We are targeting mid-to-late October for resumption of construction activities.
Indy DPW recognizes that construction is disruptive but ultimately our mission is to maintain safe infrastructure for all users."
"It's going to take forever until next year, and it's like, 'Wow,'" said Choate.
"You have a lot of upset people in this neighborhood," said Krier, "and they're voicing their frustration through this petition. You look at some of these signatures. These are angry people."
Krier said the petition is available inside 18 west Indianapolis businesses and online.
"I don't see it stopping," said Krier. "I don't know what it's going to be by the end of next month."