INDIANAPOLIS — Motorists on the west side of Indianapolis will face new traffic disruptions as construction on IndyGo’s Blue Line bus rapid transit system continues to advance.
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This week, IndyGo announced that storm sewer trunk line work requires the closure of westbound travel on West Washington Street between Harding Street and Belmont Avenue for the next six months.
The closure adds to the section of Washington Street between Harding Street and North White River Parkway Drive West that was partially shut down earlier this summer.
As a result, drivers will only have access to eastbound travel on Washington Street from Belmont Avenue to North White River Parkway Drive West for the foreseeable future. Those needing to head west will be rerouted to West Michigan Street and Belmont Avenue.
The expanded shutdown is part of the $387 million Blue Line project, which will ultimately span 24 miles, linking the Indianapolis International Airport with the town of Cumberland through downtown Indianapolis. Running along I-70, Holt Road, and Washington Street, the route is expected to significantly reshape public transit options for the region.
While detours may frustrate drivers, officials say the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary inconvenience. IndyGo has pledged that the project will bring new traffic signals, modernized sidewalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps, along with 7.5 miles of storm sewers designed to improve water quality.
The Blue Line is projected to open in 2028, giving Indianapolis a new backbone for bus rapid transit while simultaneously addressing overdue infrastructure needs.
IndyGo continues to encourage residents to check the Blue Line project site for updated traffic alerts, detours, and construction timelines.
Originally reported by Enrique Saenz in Mirror Indy.
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