(Photo Credit: Dan McGowan)
Lingering construction on a grouchy water main is causing big time travel issues for commuters and fairgoers. Last week, Citizens Energy discovered a leaky, 104-year old water main on Fall Creek Pkwy. at Keystone Ave. Any downtown to the northeast side commuter – and vice versa – will tell you that traveling this stretch of Fall Creek – adjacent to the Indiana State Fairgrounds – can be soul crushing during morning and evening rush.
Did we mention the Fairgrounds? Good. Citizens suspended work on the water main last Friday to avoid any serious travel conflicts during the opening weekend of the fair. Work resumed Monday afternoon and was scheduled to be completed Tuesday morning, but…
They’re going to need a little more time than that.
As in through Friday afternoon.
Ouch.
(Photo Credit: RTV6)
“Suzi” called in to say there was a big hole in the middle of Fall Creek. “Suzi” was right.
Consquently, lanes have been restricted in both directions on Fall Creek Pkwy. while the water main is repaired, turning the stretch from 38th St. to Keystone into a parking lot at times:
Here are the restrictions:
- Outbound Fall Creek Pkwy – or northeast – the left two lanes are closed through Friday afternoon
- Inbound Fall Creek Pkwy – or southwest – the far left lane is closed through Friday afternoon.
Citizens said different lanes can open and close during the work period, so be prepared for anything.
I’M STILL GOING TO THE FAIR
That’s the spirit!!!
(Photo Credit: Olivia Maria Clavio)
The Indiana State Fair is AWESOME, but Fall Creek still sucks, so the good people at the Fair offered a couple of alternative parking options for those wanting to pet the horses and cram in a buffalo burger. Here they are:
- For those going south of Binford, head west on 46th St. Follow the lights and park at the Indiana School of the Deaf.
- If you’re coming up Keystone, you can peel off on 38th St. towards the Fairgrounds and park in the south lot. OR, you can continue north, head west on 46th St., and park at the School.
Take a look:
Thank you to the Indiana State Fair for publishing the alternate routes, and hit ‘em up at indianastatefair.com for other parking options not discussed here. Most importantly, many thanks to you for being cool during a frustrating situation. A couple of tipsters called me at (317) 684-8134 and said while traffic was ugly, drivers were able to merge easily and everyone was being courteous and hospitable.
That’s what it’s all about, and I’m not surprised in the least.
-Bair
(Photo Credit: Dan McGowan)
Matt Bair’s water main ruptured while he was sleeping. Thankfully, it didn’t cause extra traffic near the fairgrounds.
He 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.
