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City of Indianapolis celebrates grand opening of 16 Tech Bridge

INDIANAPOLIS — With the roar of engines and cheers from the crowd, Indianapolis officials opened the 16 Tech Bridge over Fall Creek on Wednesday afternoon, marking a major milestone for infrastructure and connectivity on the city’s near northwest side.

“This new bridge will completely reimagine the way our neighbors experience our city,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said during the Wednesday’s ceremony.

Years in the making, the bridge spans 342 feet across Fall Creek at 10th Street and Riley Hospital Drive. It connects the 16 Tech Innovation District with downtown Indianapolis and the city’s research and medical corridor. The structure also integrates with the city’s broader greenway system, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

“The 16 Tech bridge was designed by the community, for the community — a physical and symbolic connection that brings neighbors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students closer to the resources and opportunities that drive innovation,” Emily Krueger, 16 Tech President & CEO said via news release. “The opening of the bridge marks not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of a new chapter for 16 Tech and Indianapolis — one where ideas move faster and communities grow stronger.”

Officials with the project reported that community collaboration, accessibility and safety were at the forefront of the bridge’s design. More than half of the bridge’s surface area is designated for pedestrians and cyclists, making it the first of its kind in Indianapolis.

“This is going to be an amazingly unique bridge,” said Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. “Over 50% of the roadway or flatway is actually for things other than cars.”

Osili said the design reflects growing concerns he heard from residents about non-vehicular safety in public infrastructure. The bridge includes protected pathways for walkers and bikers and eliminates left-hand turns onto 10th Street to reduce risk.

Adelle Stokes of the Riverside Riders cycling group praised the layout.

“The cars, the bikes, and the walkers are all separated in different sections, and that gives everybody a sense of security,” she said.

Still, Stokes emphasized that, while the bridge represents progress, Indianapolis has more work to do when it comes to other projects around the city.

“There is absolutely a lot more work to be done,” Stokes said. “The more bike lanes they have, the more designated areas, it would be great.”

Indy Juneteenth events calendar

Indy Juneteenth Inc. is hosting multiple events this year in recognition of the national holiday. See below to see the upcoming events and check back here for updates.

Saturday, June 7

Miss Indy Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant

The 5th Annual Miss Indy Juneteenth Pageant is back to celebrate “From Boots to Crowns: The Spirit of a Queen.” The pageant will highlight the “voices, talents, and stories of young Black women in our community,” according to the official website.

Rachelle Jackson is Miss Indy Juneteenth 2024. (Photos/Camike Jones)
Rachelle Jackson is Miss Indy Juneteenth 2024. (Photos/Camike Jones)

Beginning with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., the show will start at 6 p.m. at the Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

For more information, click here. Tickets will be available soon.

Thursday, June 12

College and Career Conference

From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The College and Career Fair will be at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street, Indianapolis. Attendees can meet with Pacers Sports and Entertainment, Deloitte, Marian University, Butler University and more.

Friday, June 14

Boxing Showcase: “Punches for Purpose” – $5-$100

The 3rd Annual Indy Juneteenth Boxing Showcase, “Punches for Purpose,” will feature 20 matches between competitors of multiple ages and weight classes. The showcase will be at the Speedway Events Center, 2608 Founders Square Drive, Indianapolis.

Purchase tickets here.

Thursday, June 19

Fireworks Show at Sarkine Park

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Sarkine Park, 6575 E. County Road 200 N, Avon, guests of all ages can enjoy a festival of games, vendors and a fireworks display.

RSVP here.

Freetown Village performs at the 2024 Indy Juneteenth parade. (Photo/Camike Jones)
Freetown Village performs at the 2024 Indy Juneteenth parade. (Photo/Camike Jones)

Saturday, June 21

8th Annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration

Starting at noon, the 8th annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration will take place on the South Lot of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis. the celebration features a Kids Zone, Wellness Circle, food trucks, vendors, live performances, Sip and Paint and the Budweiser VIP Lounge.

Click here for more information.


For more information, visit indyjuneteenth.org or email info@indyjuneteenth.org.

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