Indianapolis cultural trail expansion project is scheduled to begin in the coming month according to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. The project that has called for US$30 million in funding is the first expansion of the trail in its 10-year history, will add nearly two miles, and take about 20 months to complete. The project will be split into two areas with the first bringing the trail from Capitol Avenue to New Jersey street. The nonprofit says will improve access to the area of downtown that includes Lucas Oil Stadium, a growing residential hub, the Indiana Convention Center. The second part will connect the trail from the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue north to 10th Street, then west to the planned bridge that leads to the 16 Tech Innovation District. The corporation has raised US$28.5 million toward the US$30 million goals for the project. The main investors include the Anthem Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., the city of Indianapolis, and the Lilly Foundation.
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“Providing the Indianapolis community with accessible connections to cultural districts and neighborhoods, access to art and nature in a free and inclusive way is integral to our organization’s mission. We’re grateful to all of our partners who believe in our public-private partnership and in our vision to enhance the quality of life for all of our residents by investing in the community and cultural connections that benefit our community’s health and vitality,” said Kären Haley executive director of Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. The eight-mile-long pedestrian bike trail and walkway connect six Cultural Districts. The US$17 million project contract was awarded to Beaty Construction Incorporated by the Board of Public Works. There’s also a safety component to the project, for example on a Colts game day, visitors to Lucas Oil Stadium will have an accessible trail along with restaurants on South Street.
