A view down East 10th Street in August 2023 of barriers installed as part of a Community Heights Neighborhood Organization tactical urbanism project. Credit: Rebecca Shehorn Photography

Neighborhood organizations can apply for funding to make their streets safer.

The city’s Department of Public Works announced the rollout of a 50/50 cost-share program for neighborhoods interested in testing out tactical urbanism projects.

Tactical urbanism projects are low-cost, temporary measures to slow down traffic like the barriers that were installed on Calvary Street in Fountain Square.

Other examples include the temporary rumble strips and bollards at 86th Street and the Monon Trail in Nora, and traffic lane separators at 32nd Street and College Avenue.

In some cases, these projects can lead to permanent street changes, as was the case with traffic barriers on 10th Street in Community Heights. Data from the experiment showed the barriers slowed traffic along 10th Street and reduced crashes by 73%.

Neighborhoods can also apply for funding for “art in the right-of-way” projects, which involve using artwork to encourage drivers to slow down.

Communities with an approved project can borrow materials from a lending library, including water barriers, traffic cones and paint rollers.

The city is accepting applications through Aug. 30.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Local news delivered straight to your inbox

Mirror Indy's free newsletters are your daily dose of community-focused news stories.

By clicking Sign Up, you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms of Use.

Related Articles