Drivers on Indianapolis' near-north side hit a fresh construction zone yesterday as crews started work on a two-way conversion that will flip 29th and 30th streets from one-way to two-way traffic. The project stretches from the White River to Central Avenue on 29th Street and from the White River to Meridian Street on 30th, and it comes packaged with bike, pedestrian and transit upgrades. For now, motorists are being funneled through one open lane in each direction while crews stage work in the right-of-way.
What crews will build
According to a Department of Public Works Facebook post, the work will add a protected cycle track to connect riders to the Monon Trail, upgrade ADA ramps and crosswalks, replace curbs and traffic signals, improve storm sewers, and upgrade bus stops and bus pads along the corridor. City officials say the design is meant to calm traffic, support transit and make it easier to walk and bike between the Riverside, Near Northwest and Midtown neighborhoods. DPW notes that construction will be staged so that travel can be maintained while the improvements go in.
Budget, timeline and contractors
DPW's public factsheet previously pegged anticipated construction costs at about $8.6 million, but the agency's recent post describes the overall package as a roughly $13.9 million investment, catalogued as project ST-17-052. City purchasing records from the Office of Finance & Management list Calumet Civil Contractors as the apparent low bidder at $9,873,000 on the solicitation for ST-17-052. The bid tabulation and project factsheet include contact information for DPW engineering staff for residents who have questions or concerns.
Why convert these streets
City officials and local reporting say the two-way conversions are intended to slow vehicle speeds, cut down on pedestrian confusion and improve access to bidirectional transit service, part of a broader city policy applied in several corridors. Coverage of the one-way-to-two-way efforts has consistently highlighted safety and neighborhood connectivity as the main goals. Rep. André Carson also backed the effort, seeking federal funds for the 29th Street conversion in a May 9, 2024 appropriations letter to House leaders.
Cyclists, transit riders and neighbors
Bike advocates say the protected cycle track, planned primarily along 30th Street, should better tie the corridor into Indianapolis' greenway network and make crossings to the Monon and Riverside safer. Trail and cycling groups note that the 29th and 30th Street design includes a mix of multi-use paths, neighborways and cycle tracks, all meant to link parks, schools and transit stops along the route.
During construction, expect lane shifts, temporary curb and sidewalk work and altered bus stop locations. DPW says posted signs and flaggers will direct traffic and pedestrians through the work zone. For more details or to report an issue, residents can use the DPW engineering contact information and phone numbers listed in the project factsheet and bid documents.
