This brief is adapted from notes taken by Indy Documenter Jeff Brown, who covered the May Near East Side Community Organization meeting. 📝 Read more about what happened.
At the Near East Side Community Organization (NESCO) meeting in Englewood Christian Church Tuesday, May 27, board President Chris Staab gave an update about current road work projects that is sure to impact those living in NESCO neighborhoods.
Rural and Washington streets
The intersection connecting Rural and Washington streets is already closed as part of IndyGo’s Blue Line project that involves Citizens Energy Group moving water lines before the next round of Blue Line construction, which is a three-week project that began May 27. This closure changes IndyGo bus routes eight and 26.
According to a press release issued April 30 by IndyGo, buses will detour in both directions between State and LaSalle streets during the project. These detours result in seven eastbound stop closures and five westbound stop closures on route eight.
Route 26 will detour from Washington and Rural streets between Rural and LaSalle. As a result, there is one stop closure north and soundbound on Rural Street, and there are three eastbound and two westbound stop closures along Washington Street.
“This is going to be a painful summer on Washington Street,” Staab said. “Please be patient.”
There are plans to repave Rural Street, but Staab said those are paused until the Blue Line project is completed. Additionally, Staab said the pool at Willard Park will not open this summer due to the effects of the Blue Line construction.
Michigan and New York streets
Additionally, construction is well underway for the City of Indianapolis’ Michigan and New York (streets) Two-Way Conversion Project that originally began in Spring 2024. The $19.5 million project, which resumed in March, is said to convert New York and Michigan streets to two-way roads between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park. The project is also planned to feature improvements to existing sidewalks, curbs, ADA ramps, as well as enhancements of existing crosswalks and railroads.
Starting June 8, IndyGo routes 3, 8, 38, 56, and the Red and Purple lines will undergo minor timing changes. In the press release announcing these changes, IndyGo did not specify what the new timing schedule would be.
Construction of the two-way conversion project is planned to end by Winter 2025.
Bus pass grant
On the topic of IndyGo, NESCO board Secretary Paula Hartzer said that more than 100 bus passes have been granted for the board to distribute to low-income citizens, seniors and those experiencing homelessness.
“We’re trying to find those that are really underserved, and we’ll get another second half through the grant in August, and we’ll distribute those in September through the end of December,” Hartzer said.
What’s next?
NESCO holds its monthly meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Its next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Englewood Christian Church.
Kyle Smedley was an Indianapolis Press Club Foundation fellow working this summer with Mirror Indy. You can follow him on X @KyleSmedley03.
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