On February 25, IndyGo hosted a groundbreaking event to kick off construction of the Purple Line, the second of three planned bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. Dignitaries who spoke at the event included IndyGo CEO Inez Evans, Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, City of Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier, Congressman André Carson, Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Kelley Brookins, and Alliance of Northeast Unification Executive Director Ashley Gurvitz.
The 15.2-mile route will link downtown Indianapolis to the City of Lawrence, and significantly upgrade a substantial portion of the existing Route 39 along the East 38th Street and Post Road corridors. Major infrastructure improvements will include nearly 10 miles of sidewalks, more than 350 ADA curb ramps, new street paving, a multi-use path, and storm sewer upgrades to prevent combined sewer overflows. For Midtown riders, the addition of more rapid transit buses along 38th Street and Meridian Street will offer some of the highest frequency BRT service in the county and reduce waiting times.
The two-year long construction project began March 10 in Midtown. Motorists and bus riders should expect some delay in travel times. Motorists driving eastbound on 38th Street will be detoured via Fall Creek Parkway and Keystone Avenue. Westbound traffic will be detoured via Keystone Avenue, 46th Street and College Avenue.
Bus Routes 4 and 39 going eastbound and westbound will experience a detour around the closure using Fall Creek Parkway, Allisonville Road, 46th Street and Keystone Ave. (See map below.) Closed bus stops include 10268, 10167, 10169, 10088 and 10087, which are around the 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway intersection in Midtown. Temporary stops have been placed where possible.
38th Street: College Avenue to Fall Creek Parkway
- The outside lane of eastbound 38th Street between the Monon Trail to just east of Coliseum Avenue will remain closed for roadway widening. South of 38th Street, Coliseum to Fairfield Avenue remains closed.
- The outside lane of westbound 38th Street between just west of Fall Creek Parkway to Woodland Avenue will continue.
- Work at the Coliseum Avenue and Woodland Avenue intersections will continue through April. Drivers will notice some traffic pattern adjustments.
- Worksite speed limit is 25 mph.
Regular construction updates are available here.
STAY IN TOUCH
For information about the Purple Line and for the latest construction updates, visit the Purple Line website. Or call Customer Service at 317-635-3344. Submit your feedback online . Now that construction has begun, a virtual office hour will be held every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Register anytime to attend.
