The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) released its 2027 capital improvement plan, outlining a series of projects that will reshape streets, sidewalks and trails across the city. The initiatives focus on improving safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while supporting family‑friendly neighborhoods and encouraging responsible stewardship of public spaces.
Two‑Way Street Conversions Downtown
Starting next year, eight one‑way streets surrounding downtown will be converted to two‑way traffic. City officials say the change will slow vehicle speeds, simplify intersections and allow for upgraded traffic signals. The conversion includes repairing 3.5 miles of sidewalks, resurfacing 5.5 miles of bike lanes and adding two miles of multi‑use paths, giving families more options for walking and biking.
Pleasant Run Greenway Trail Enhancements
From spring 2027 to spring 2029, DPW will improve the Pleasant Run Greenway Trail between Garfield Park and Ellenberger Park. Work includes replacing the pedestrian bridge north of Raymond Street and the bridge at Ellenberger Park, ensuring a safer, more reliable crossing for hikers, joggers and families enjoying the greenway.
10th Street Streetscape and Intersection Safety
Scheduled for summer 2026 through fall 2027, the 10th Street corridor—from Tecumseh Street to Rural Street, and continuing along Rural Street to St. Clair Street—will receive a comprehensive streetscape upgrade. The project adds a multi‑use path, wider sidewalks, accessible ramps, upgraded lighting, storm‑water management features and a realignment of key intersections. These improvements aim to protect pedestrians, especially children walking to school or churches, and to enhance the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Nickel Plate Trail Bike and Pedestrian Bridge
A new bike and pedestrian bridge will span the Nickel Plate Trail at 49th Street and Keystone Avenue. Construction is slated for summer 2026 through fall 2027, providing a safe crossing for cyclists and walkers and linking the trail more seamlessly to surrounding residential areas.
Madison Avenue Traffic‑Lane Reduction
From summer 2027 to summer 2028, the third phase of the Madison Avenue lane‑reduction project will be completed. The effort reduces traffic lanes south of downtown in the Bates‑Hendricks and Old Southside neighborhoods, extending from Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive to Martin Street. The goal is to calm traffic, improve safety for pedestrians and support the historic character of these family‑centered districts.
Girls School Road Widening and Multi‑Use Path
Beginning spring 2026 and finishing spring 2027, DPW will widen and resurface Girls School Road, adding a multi‑use path on the west side between Perimeter Road and 21st Street. The project also includes center curbs, drainage upgrades, and modernized signals and signage, all designed to accommodate growing traffic while preserving safe routes for schoolchildren and churchgoers.
Community Impact and Funding
These projects are funded through a combination of municipal bonds, state transportation grants and federal infrastructure dollars. City leaders emphasize that the improvements align with Indianapolis’s long‑term vision of a walkable, family‑oriented city that respects traditional values and promotes individual liberty through safe, accessible public spaces.
Residents can expect construction notices in the coming months, and DPW encourages the public to stay informed via the department’s website and local news outlets. By investing in streets, trails and bridges, Indianapolis aims to create a more livable environment for its citizens—especially families seeking safe routes to schools, churches and community centers.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
