INDIANAPOLIS – As excitement builds for the Colts’ first regular-season game against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, fans should be ready for more than touchdowns and tailgates. Ongoing construction around Lucas Oil Stadium will affect traffic flow and pedestrian routes for much of the NFL season.

Several city-led projects are underway in the stadium district, part of a larger initiative to transform the area into a more walkable, visitor-friendly destination. The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) is currently leading work on the Signia Hotel project, upgrades to Georgia Street, and improvements to Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue.

One of the centerpiece projects involves restoring the historic Union Station bridge and redesigning the roadway underneath to make it safer for pedestrians. To make this possible, a traffic lane in the area will be closed on game days and throughout much of the season.

“Sorry to all of our Colts fans out there, but I promise, if you just stick around with us and you hold on tight, we will have something that will be amazing by spring of 2026,” said Auboni Hart, chief communications officer for the DMD.

For fans traveling from the north side, construction on West Street is another obstacle. Since early July, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has been resurfacing the roadway between 11th Street and Morris Street, with lane closures in effect.

INDOT officials say the most disruptive barriers will soon be gone. “This week, we will be removing most of the traffic control measures, so barrels, cones, all the things you’re seeing out there during the day,” explained Natalie Garrett, INDOT’s strategic communications director.

She noted that while crews will still be working in the evenings, they planned schedules around home games to minimize congestion. “We have been coordinating with the Colts. We chatted with them for their preseason game a couple weeks ago, and we’ll continue to share information and coordinate as the season goes on,” Garrett added.

The resurfacing is expected to be fully complete by the end of September, but smaller disruptions will continue until then.

Why All This Construction Now?

City leaders say the work is part of a long-term strategy to boost downtown Indianapolis’s economic appeal. With the Colts, conventions, concerts, and other events drawing millions annually, improving infrastructure around Lucas Oil Stadium is critical to tourism and safety.

By spring 2026, the projects aim to create a district that is more pedestrian-friendly, with better traffic flow, modernized hotel and entertainment spaces, and improved connections between neighborhoods and downtown venues.

Game Day Travel Tips

• Arrive early: Touchdown Town opens at 10 a.m., kickoff at 1 p.m.
• Expect lane closures near Union Station and along West Street.
• Look for signage and detours, especially around Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue.
• Plan alternate routes if coming from the north side of the city.
• Slow down and stay alert in active construction zones.

For Colts fans, the message from city and state leaders is clear: short-term inconvenience will give way to a stronger, safer, and more connected downtown experience.

Originally reported by Claire Curry in Fox 59 News.