INDIANAPOLIS —  Indianapolis officials are working to improve safety near the Monon Trail and 86th Street on the city’s north side. The stretch of 86th Street between Meridian Street and Allisonville Road is undergoing a major overhaul, but the construction is frustrating some residents.

For drivers, the project requires navigating around active construction zones and an extended new median.

“Happy to see construction happening when it comes to the roads. The frustrating part comes when there’s little to no notice. And with that, it creates havoc and confusion for drivers, walkers runners,” driver Dennis Wheeler said.

The Department of Public Works began construction Tuesday. Crews are excavating 86th Street to install a new pedestrian refuge island and a crosswalk. They are also extending the medians to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross from the Monon Trail.

Daniel Stevenson, Indy DPW deputy director of policy and planning, said, “This project will directly improve traffic in the area for both vehicular traffic and for pedestrians to make it a safer corridor for people get through.”

Stevenson added that access to shopping centers on both the north and south sides of the street will change. Drivers will only be allowed to turn right when entering or exiting, a move intended to reduce crashes between cars and pedestrians.

DPW estimates construction will finish by April. In the meantime, traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction on 86th Street.

“There’s a lot of rush hour traffic that goes up and down 86 street and doing away with two lanes and in just that few blocks is very inconvenient,” driver Antonette Heaggans said.

Jeff Plawecki has biked in this part of town for 10 years. He says this is one of the most dangerous intersections in Indianapolis and is happy to see the work.

“Whatever they’re doing here they almost can’t make it worse,” Plawecki said.

Stevenson said 15 pedestrians and cyclists have been hit in this area. At the specific intersection of 86th Street and the Monon Trail, two crashes happened, including one fatality.

Cyclists and pedestrians say the construction is a good idea overall. However, some argue the intersection feels more dangerous now due to construction equipment and detour signs.

“On my way back north I took the detour on my way back to the intersection. When I did that I almost got hit twice by drivers not paying attention,” cyclist Logan Seger said.

About The Author

See author's posts