INDIANAPOLIS — Construction will begin Monday at a busy downtown intersection as the city combines permanent safety upgrades with a previously planned resurfacing project.

According to the Public Works website, the resurfacing project has an estimated cost of $4.2 million.

LeAndre Level Jr. is the administrator for Vision Zero, a citywide policy commitment to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2035. Level, who works for Public Works, said the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, College Avenue and St. Clair Street is a hub for drivers, pedestrians, trail users and people visiting local businesses. He noted that the community pushed for the improvements following a fatal crash at the site several years ago.

Planned improvements include:

• 6-inch raised curbs and sidewalk extensions.
• More on-street parking along College Avenue.
• Metal posts, known as bollards, along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. They are designed to withstand 30 mph impacts.
• Adjusted traffic signals and lane layouts.
• New pavement markings and striping.

Public Works officials said the safety upgrades are a key part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative.

Part of a global movement, the Project Zero strategy focuses on road design and policies to prevent crashes, rather than relying solely on driver behavior. It treats traffic deaths as preventable incidents that should not happen, rather than unavoidable accidents.

“We saw this as an opportunity to enhance some pedestrian safety in line with our goals for Vision Zero,” Level said. “Hopefully, we’ll see the final product, and people will feel more safe at the intersection.”

Construction should finish by late November. Businesses in the area will remain open and accessible throughout the project.

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