8/28/2005
Media Contact:
Margie Smith-Simmons, 327.4669 |
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"Update 38...Making the old new again"
INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Mayor Bart Peterson and Department of Public Works Director Jim Garrard provided an update on the status of the 38th St. construction project as well as released a detailed description of the third phase of construction scheduled to begin in February 2006.
The first three phases of the 38th St. improvement project are:
Phase I - 38th St. from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. to Salem St.
Consists of the resurfacing and /or removal and replacement of existing pavement, replacement of curbs and sidewalks, upgrading of traffic signals and storm sewers and the addition of considerable landscaping amenities to include:
o Wide decorative sidewalks and distinctive crosswalks with special pavements to facilitate pedestrian usage;
o New directional signage;
o Raised cast stone medians with a complete landscaping package including perennial plantings and trees; and
o The installation of early 20th century period-style light fixtures that contribute to the historic authenticity of the area.
· Total project cost: $8.9 million (Federal Aid: 80%, Local Match: 20%)
· Schedule completion date: Fall 2005
Phase II - 38th St. from Salem St. to Fall Creek Parkway
Consists of the complete removal and replacement of existing pavement, replacement of curbs and sidewalks, upgrading of traffic signals and storm sewers and the addition of considerable landscaping amenities to include:
o Wide decorative sidewalks and distinctive crosswalks with special pavements to facilitate pedestrian usage;
o New directional signage;
o Raised cast stone medians with a complete landscaping package including perennial plantings and trees; and
o The installation of early 20th century period-style light fixtures that contribute to the historic authenticity of the area.
· Total project cost: $13.5 million (Federal Aid: 80%, Local Match: 20%)
· Scheduled completion date: Winter 2006
Phase III - 38th St. from I-65 to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
Consists of the resurfacing or complete replacement of all existing pavement, rehabilitation of the existing bridge decks over the Indianapolis Water Company Canal and White River, traffic signal upgrades and curb and sidewalk replacement.
· Total project cost: $5.9 million (Federal Aid: 80%, Local Match: 20%)
· Construction start date: February 2006
· Scheduled completion date: Fall 2006
To facilitate a speedy construction period on Phase III, a 38th St. "Fast Track" will begin just after the conclusion of the 2006 Indianapolis 500 with completion scheduled just prior to the 2006 Brickyard 400.
At that time, 38th St. will be completely closed to through traffic in order to complete this phase in the shortest amount of time possible. Westbound access will be provided to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Woodstock Country Club.
Eastbound 38th St. access will be diverted to I-65 with local access provided to Cold Springs Rd. All detour routes will be prominently marked prior to this "Fast Track" period.
"Not only will this corridor meet the short -term goal of facilitating traffic flow, but it also meets the long-term goals of beautifying and revitalizing the 38th St. corridor," said DPW Director Jim Garrard.
38th St., formerly known as Maple Rd. and designed by landscape architect George Kessler in 1905, is one of the city's most vital thoroughfares with current modern roadway demands exceeding 30,000 cars per day.
To help the public gain easy access to the project details, the city has branded the 38th St. project, "Update 38*making the old new again." The new logo and tagline will be seen on all materials and announcements relating to the 38th St. project.
In addition, a website has been developed, www.IndyGov.org/38, that includes project information, a fact sheet, renderings and historic photos.
"The unique aesthetic features of the 38th St./Maple Rd. project will not only revitalize the community but will also increase awareness of the historical significance of this corridor for years to come," said Mayor Peterson.
A special acknowledgment was given to the Maple Road Development Association, and other area stakeholders, for their participation and support in restoring this corridor to its historic charm dating back to the early 1900s.
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