On Feb. 17, engineers from United Consulting presented Phase 1 plans on behalf of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works to a crowd at an open house at the Abundant Life Church. The purpose of the project is to mitigate traffic congestion and improve safety along the East 82nd Street corridor.
“With the E 82nd Street Widening and Improvement project, DPW will work to improve the stretch of E 82nd Street between Hague Road and Fall Creek Road, addressing many issues raised by both commuters of this street and by residents of the area,” said Benjamin Easley, public information officer for the Department of Public Works for Indianapolis.
The first phase will extend from Hague Rd to Lantern Rd. Construction is planned to begin in March and will continue through 2016, with small details such as grass planting finishing in fall of 2017.
Drivers will experience no lane restriction during the construction in 2015. In 2016, the project will restrict the eastbound lane between Raven Rock Road and Lantern Road. A detour is planned for eastbound traffic that uses Hague Road, 86th Street and Fall Creek Road.
The project is being paid for by local and federal funds as part of Mayor Ballard’s Rebuild Indy initiative to make infrastructure improvements. The project will add a lane in each direction, add sidewalks between Hague Road and Fall Creek Road. The project was bid in January for $8.3 million.
A second phase of the project will extend from Lantern Road to Fall Creek Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2018.
“DPW hopes to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers alike, as well as boost connectivity along this stretch with the addition and repair of travel lanes, curbs and sidewalks. The project also includes storm sewer maintenance to benefit the neighborhoods and subdivisions of this stretch of E 82nd Street.” Easley said.
