The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is set to begin construction Monday on project ST-26-054, the conversion of New York and Michigan streets to two-way traffic between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park.

"The City of Indianapolis and DPW are redesigning traffic patterns for a safer, more neighborly city," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "Once these latest two-way conversions are completed, Michigan and New York streets will allow for safer travel with or without a car, improving neighborhoods for residents and local business."

Conversion of one-way roads to two-way roads leads to lower speeds by drivers, as fewer adjacent lanes will provide fewer opportunities to weave or overtake.

"With this project and others across the city, we are sending a message: Indy DPW is engineering ways to cut down on selfish, reckless driving in Indianapolis," said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. "We know that the way many of our streets were built decades ago no longer matches the current needs of our residents, and projects like this one will go a long way to addressing that."

Indy DPW's traffic switch on New York and Michigan streets is the result of more than 16 years of advocacy on the near east side.

The nearly $20 million project will also involve improvements to existing sidewalks, curbs and ADA ramps, crosswalk enhancements, street resurfacing, protected bike lanes and enhanced bus platforms.

Contractors closed the south side of New York Street last week and will begin sidewalk removal this week. Work on New York Street will begin on the western end of the project at College Avenue.

This week, contractors anticipate closing the northern side of Michigan Street near Ellenburger Park.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

More information about the project can be found in this Frequently Asked Questions document.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, one-way streets tend to have higher speeds, while two-way streets tend to be slower. In addition, two-way streets create more direct routes, visibility, and the opportunity for enhanced commerce. In Louisville, Kentucky, a two-way conversion resulted in a 60% decrease in collisions per month.

In the coming years, Indy DPW intends to convert portions of more one-way thoroughfares to two-way traffic with the help of funding through the federal RAISE grant and the updated Complete Streets policy in 2022.

Citizens Energy Group is coordinating with Indy DPW to replace lead service lines for homeowners and buildings in the construction zone ahead of the upcoming road work.

For more information on Indy DPW projects, click here.