The Indianapolis Department of Public Works plans to begin the second phase of its Broad Ripple Avenue construction project next month, with a section of the roadway scheduled to close on April 3.
The multi-year effort represents an investment of more than $8.6 million in the avenue between the Monon Trail and College Avenue. According to DPW Director Brandon Herget, a large share of the work is focused on sewer and drainage upgrades. "This construction project will lay new stormwater infrastructure under the avenue to alleviate historic flooding," Herget said.
The project also includes street rehabilitation, new lighting and wider sidewalks. The first phase shut down the avenue between Guilford Avenue and Winthrop Avenue and was finished ahead of schedule last year.
The upcoming closure will affect the stretch from Guilford Avenue to College Avenue and is expected to remain in place until August. That is more than twice as long as some area businesses had hoped for. DPW said the establishments along the route will stay open during the closure and will remain reachable on foot.
Jordan Dillon, executive director of the Broad Ripple Village Association, said the work is essential but that the extended timeline poses an unexpected difficulty. "We are disappointed that this project is expected to take nearly 60% longer than what we were originally told and in the lack of planning for emergency services," Dillon said.
Dillon also raised safety concerns for people visiting the busy corridor that, in the association's view, have not been resolved. "Right now in the current plan, our fencing goes right up to the sidewalk and on the other side of the sidewalk there's a wall," Dillon said. Dillon added that businesses in the popular bar and entertainment district are already facing financial strain, and that a longer closure will take an economic toll.
The plan follows months of public engagement. Herget said the start date was pushed back in response to community feedback, noting that many local businesses rely on events such as March Madness and St. Patrick's Day. He described the delay as a matter of respect for those businesses.
DPW said it will hold update meetings during construction and that businesses will have direct contact with project managers if problems arise. All construction is expected to be complete in August.
