INDIANAPOLIS — Indy DPW is showcasing some of the upgrades as it works to convert New York and Michigan streets to two-way roads. On June 7, DPW posted photos on X showing protected bike lanes, upgraded curbs and rebuilt sidewalks.
The upgrade project will have the city investing $20 million into the two streets between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park on the near east side of Indianapolis.
DPW crews first started on the project on March 11, 2024. The goal is to improve safety by slowing traffic and putting more infrastructure in place to protect pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders in the area. They will also be upgrading the storm water system.
The city is working with IndyGo, so these changes and upgrades balance out bus traffic on Washington Street. Public meetings began in 2021.
The full project is expected to wrap up by the spring of 2025.
You can find weekly updates from DPW by clicking here.
New York and Michigan aren't the only streets the city is planning to convert to two-ways. Another 8 streets are slated for conversion, though DPW hasn't given a specific timeline for the changes. You can provide public comment on the plans by clicking this link. DPW promises to schedule public hearings in the future. Studies have shown that two-way streets tend to slow traffic, making it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern for the city. Deaths for pedestrians and cyclists have increased every year since 2020. At least 250 pedestrians were hit by drivers by October of 2023, according to IMPD. So far in 2024, there have already been at least 21 people have been killed by drivers, according to the Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis.
