(Photo Credit: IndyGo, IndyGo Red Line)
Because I’m the luckiest man on earth, I’ve been stuck in nearly every Red Line construction zone over the last couple of weeks. I did the Meridian St. slalom (where construction requires you to swerve back and forth like you’re asleep at the wheel) and got stuck behind a bus – not a Red Line bus, mind you – an IndyGo bus. Have you ever followed one of these guys for a dozen blocks in single lane traffic? Bring some nail clippers. Capitol Ave. is a great place to stop, get out of the car, and have a nice stretch, and Shelby St. is basically a dystopian scene out of a bad steam punk novel.
But hey! Traffic inspires a traffic blog, so let’s get bloggin’!
College Ave. is GOING DOWN! And Virginia Ave IS GETTING OWNED! Ladies and Gentlemen it’s a…
RED. LINE. UPDATE!!!
We’re looking at you, College Ave!
COLLEGE AVE
Out of nowhere, semi-sized tranches have opened up on the sides of College Ave., and we’ve had reports of drivers waiting a half hour in traffic due to construction.
Like Shelby St., Meridian St., and Virginia Ave., Red Line preparation is in full swing on College. Utility relocation will run through the end of the year, and Red Line construction will begin at the end of January or the beginning of February, 2019.
The construction zone and future path of the Red Line stretches from 38th St. to 66th St. Be ready for one lane of traffic in each direction during morning and evening rush (ahhh!), not to mention parking restrictions (remember the trench? Don’t park in it), and changing traffic patterns hell bent on giving you the ole’ switcharoo.
Confused? Wait until you see the map!
Kidding, it’s a good map. I’m the Lewis and Clark of traffic map making.
Notice the red box off to the right. It shows where utility relocation is happening. Crews will work at each location for 14-days, moving water mains and fire hydrants, and eventually gas mains as well.
Also, if you live in the construction zone, and say, get up in the middle of the night to make a tinkle, there’s a chance your toilet won’t refill. IndyGo says workers will have to occasionally shut off the water to complete the relocations, but only during the overnight hours.
No deep fried ice cream until January? You can do it!
WAIT. THERE’S SO MUCH MORE!
As we alluded to earlier, the path of the Red Line runs a pretty good distance north and south through Indy, beginning with the University of Indianapolis at the southern most point, to 66th St. at the northern most point.
Look:
(Photo Credit: IndyGo, IndyGo Red Line)
So let’s check up on some of the other construction zones where the little red bus will go once construction is done, starting with:
CAPITOL AVE
Capitol Ave. has been down to two lanes for weeks now, as crews continue relocate utilities in prep of building the stations, and so on. The construction zone runs southbound (because it’s a southbound one-way) from 18th St. to Washington St:
Parking is also restricted, and the bike lane is closed for business. Once utility replacement is done at the end of the year, they’ll start building the bus stations and other elements that come with red line.
Did you just ask about Virginia Ave.? So glad you did!
VIRGINIA AVE
Fountain Square and Fletcher Place will get a taste of the Red Line, courtesy of Virginia Ave. The path runs from the Fountain Square station to the IndyGo transit Center on Washington St:
THANKFULLY, there will be no lane restrictions, but drivers can expect shifting traffic patterns. Like Capitol Ave and College Ave., construction is expected to be completed by May of 2019.
SHELBY ST
The southern most leg of Red Line’s path – and home of the “University” station – is further along than the other work zones. Over the next three weeks, crews will continue to work on station platforms and foundations on Shelby St.
*SUPER TRAFFIC ALERT* *SUPER TRAFFIC ALERT*
Crews will install station canopies on Meridian St. the day after Christmas, or Wednesday, December 26th. There will be lane closures at the various station locations, and flaggers will be in place to divert you around intersection closures. According to IndyGo, closures will last only four hours and will take place from 9am – 4pm.
Try out Capitol Ave. as an alternate route. The construction zone doesn’t begin until 18th St.
As you can tell, I added zero commentary about how the Red Line will affect Indianapolis and whether or not it’ll be good for the city. Reason? This blog is meant to help drivers get from point to point with as little as frustration as possible. I understand it’s a polarizing issue, but the place to vent, suggest a tip or reroute, or report an unexpected lane closure is on Twitter at @WIBCTraffic. It’s a great place to talk traffic and share recipies.
Sneezus Greetings.
-Bair
Matt Bair is the new voice of Indianapolis traffic, and can be followed on Twitter @WIBCTraffic.. Tips? Call direct at (317) 684-8134 or the 93 WIBC Newsroom at (317) 637-6397.
