Indiana Notes

[ilpt4u]

Does InDOT just not like Evansville? Working on US 41 between the Lloyd and the Airport and on the Western Lloyd west of town where the freeway section ends past the University of Southern Indiana, basically to the last Evansville stoplight leaving town

Both projects appear to be complete rebuilds, with both directions of traffic cramed onto a single direction carriageway (NB 41, EB Lloyd ftr). 41 at least tries to keep 2 narrow lanes each way, but the Lloyd is single lane thru its construction zone, and leaving the freeway section heading west, it quickly goes from 6 lane freeway, one stoplight, to a 2 lane total construction zone. Yikes. Tho they do have a portable message sign encouraging the zipper merge. I almost stopped to take a video. Pretty sure it was something like "Using both lanes to the merge" (screen 1) "is not cutting" (screen 2).

Flew in and out of Evansville on a spring break trip, and that just seems crazy. At least the 41 project, delay it a couple years until the 69 bridge is done? Nope!

[Great Lakes Roads]

Contractor selected for 80/94 FlexRoad CMGC project

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that the agency has entered into a Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC) agreement with Superior Construction Co., Inc. to provide preconstruction services for the 80/94 FlexRoad project. This is the second CMGC project for INDOT.

The 80/94 FlexRoad project in Lake County, IN and Cook County, IL (T-42591; Des. No. 1901643) includes the implementation of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies to maximize the safety and efficiency of the existing I-80/I-94 corridor.  Also known as the Borman Expressway, the 14-mile segment spans from the I-65 and I-80/94 interchange in Indiana to the I-80/94 and IL-394 interchange in Illinois.

The project will implement integrated Active Traffic Management (ATM) and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) solutions including improved digital message signs (DMS), variable speed limits, dynamic lane control, dynamic shoulder lanes, queue warning, and ramp metering throughout the project corridor.

Other work includes fiber optic improvements throughout the corridor, modifying the I-65 and Broadway interchanges with I-80/I-94, concrete pavement restoration, installation of gantry structures over I-80/I-94, and drainage improvements. More information about the project and TSMO strategies is available on the project website at IndianaFlexRoad.com.

The CMGC delivery method includes two project phases, the preconstruction phase, and the construction phase. More information about CMGC and other alternative delivery methods can be found on the INDOT Alternative Delivery webpage.

The CMGC preconstruction phase is expected to begin in April 2025, with construction expected to start in late summer or early fall 2025. Design, led by Parsons Corp., is anticipated to be complete in 2026. The Selection Approval Document and additional proposals can be found on the INDOT Request for Proposals webpage.

[Great Lakes Roads]

32 Connects project begins next month (on or after April 7th) in Westfield.

SR 32 will be closed through early October between Poplar Street and Union Street for reconstruction. Detour will be via US 31 and SR 38. Completion date of this project is late 2026.

Other projects happening in Indiana-
SR 104 is closed for a bridge replacement project over the Kankakee River. Should be reopened to traffic by June.

SR 4 will be down to one lane with a traffic signal at Miller Ditch for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project. Should be done by late May.

I-469 will have some work done this year, starting with a bridge deck overlay over Maplecrest Road. Should be done by late September. During construction, drivers can expect width and speed restrictions in both directions. The on-ramp from northbound Maplecrest Road to westbound I-469 will also be closed during construction. Drivers needing to access westbound I-469 will utilize a temporary left turn lane to use the southbound Maplecrest Road on-ramp to westbound I-469, or seek an alternate route.

Also on I-469... lane restrictions between U.S. 24 and State Road 37/Maysville Road will begin on or after March 27th for pavement replacement. Should be done by late November.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Looking at the March 13th letting, there is a project to replace the Ripley Street (SR 51) bridge over I-80/94 in Lake Station. As part of that project, the interchange itself (exit 15) will go from a cloverleaf to a Parclo A-4, meaning that there will be two new traffic signals on SR 51. Oh, and the exit numbers will change in both directions (I-94 WB- from exits 16 and 15 to just 15 & I-94 EB- from exits 15A-B and 16 to 15A and 15B) as well as new and improved signage on I-94.

From recent travels:  The pavement work for the new left turn from the eastbound exit to NB IN 51 is well underway.  A good amount of the poles and span wires for the signal are also up.

And work starts next week to install the lights, as well as lane closures to prepare for bridge work. For two weeks, the ramp from I-94 west and both directions of the Indiana Toll Road to Indiana 51 north will be closed. The possible detour will be I-65 north to US 12/20 east, but it's strongly recommended to use Indiana 249 to US 20 West instead.

This project is scheduled to conclude in Fall 2026.

Got this email yesterday:

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC will close the ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound U.S. 6/State Road 51 on or after Monday, March 31.

The ramp will be closed through the end of April as part of the U.S. 6/State Road 51 bridge replacement project over I-94. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will utilize the ramps at State Road 249.

[jnewkirk77]

Does InDOT just not like Evansville? Working on US 41 between the Lloyd and the Airport and on the Western Lloyd west of town where the freeway section ends past the University of Southern Indiana, basically to the last Evansville stoplight leaving town

Both projects appear to be complete rebuilds, with both directions of traffic cramed onto a single direction carriageway (NB 41, EB Lloyd ftr). 41 at least tries to keep 2 narrow lanes each way, but the Lloyd is single lane thru its construction zone, and leaving the freeway section heading west, it quickly goes from 6 lane freeway, one stoplight, to a 2 lane total construction zone. Yikes. Tho they do have a portable message sign encouraging the zipper merge. I almost stopped to take a video. Pretty sure it was something like "Using both lanes to the merge" (screen 1) "is not cutting" (screen 2).

Flew in and out of Evansville on a spring break trip, and that just seems crazy. At least the 41 project, delay it a couple years until the 69 bridge is done? Nope!

41 has been a cluster for the past 2 or 3 years. I've avoided it when I can. Seems like it's not too far from being "done," whatever that means in Evansville.

The Lloyd has been under construction seemingly since it was completed in 1988. I can remember maybe 3 or 4 years since that they haven't had some kind of project going ... and maybe that's an exaggeration, but it ain't much of one.

[TheCleanDemon]

Does InDOT just not like Evansville? Working on US 41 between the Lloyd and the Airport and on the Western Lloyd west of town where the freeway section ends past the University of Southern Indiana, basically to the last Evansville stoplight leaving town

Both projects appear to be complete rebuilds, with both directions of traffic cramed onto a single direction carriageway (NB 41, EB Lloyd ftr). 41 at least tries to keep 2 narrow lanes each way, but the Lloyd is single lane thru its construction zone, and leaving the freeway section heading west, it quickly goes from 6 lane freeway, one stoplight, to a 2 lane total construction zone. Yikes. Tho they do have a portable message sign encouraging the zipper merge. I almost stopped to take a video. Pretty sure it was something like "Using both lanes to the merge" (screen 1) "is not cutting" (screen 2).

Flew in and out of Evansville on a spring break trip, and that just seems crazy. At least the 41 project, delay it a couple years until the 69 bridge is done? Nope!

This behavior is not at all unique to Evansville. INDOT has taken a rip the bandaid off approach in recent years.

[silverback1065]

Does InDOT just not like Evansville? Working on US 41 between the Lloyd and the Airport and on the Western Lloyd west of town where the freeway section ends past the University of Southern Indiana, basically to the last Evansville stoplight leaving town

Both projects appear to be complete rebuilds, with both directions of traffic cramed onto a single direction carriageway (NB 41, EB Lloyd ftr). 41 at least tries to keep 2 narrow lanes each way, but the Lloyd is single lane thru its construction zone, and leaving the freeway section heading west, it quickly goes from 6 lane freeway, one stoplight, to a 2 lane total construction zone. Yikes. Tho they do have a portable message sign encouraging the zipper merge. I almost stopped to take a video. Pretty sure it was something like "Using both lanes to the merge" (screen 1) "is not cutting" (screen 2).

Flew in and out of Evansville on a spring break trip, and that just seems crazy. At least the 41 project, delay it a couple years until the 69 bridge is done? Nope!

This behavior is not at all unique to Evansville. INDOT has taken a rip the bandaid off approach in recent years.

It's annoying, but for the best. Get it all done sooner! At least they don't close the whole thing for months on end like they do to 465 often! 

[ilpt4u]

I don't think Evansville would function very well with the Lloyd AND 41 both closed. I guess the Ohio River would still be open for commerce...

[Interstate 69 Fan]

Drove I-465 eastbound yesterday and saw new signs up on the I-65 NB ramp to I-465, I assume with I-69 shields and control cities. Couldn't get a good angle, but the old set was still up in front of them too.

[silverback1065]

yes it is a part of the signing project going on this year, the entire overlap with 69 will have new signs it's a VERY slow process but happening.

[seicer]

Work on the Michigan and New York two-way conversions in Indianapolis has resumed. This project will convert New York St. and Michigan St. from one-way roads to two-way roads between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park. Funded in partnership with IndyGo, the project will help balance bus routes on Washington St. There will also be significant sidewalk and curb improvements and a resurfacing of all affected roads. Work will wrap up this winter.

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Work to rehabilitate the 16th St. bridge over the White River in Indianapolis will begin soon. This will address spalling concrete issues and the bridge deck. The structure will be closed to traffic during construction.

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Major thoroughfare drainage improvements are coming to Bluff Rd. (from Wicker Rd. to Thompson Rd.) this year, and drainage improvements and major road reconstruction of Kentucky Ave. (from Mann Rd. to Raymond St.), all in Indianapolis.

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29th and 30th St. in Indianapolis will be converted to two-way throughfares. 29th St. will be converted from the White River to Central Ave., and 30th St. from the White River and Parkway East Drive to Meridian St. This is part of the rebalancing of traffic needs and IndyGo bus routes. Presentation ; Fact Sheet

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The arch bridge along Lafayette Rd. over Little Eagle Creek in Indianapolis will be rehabilitated this year.

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Madison Ave. in Indianapolis will be significantly rebuilt from a quasi-expressway into a four-lane road with a shared use path (Interurban Trail) from the Pleasant Run Pkwy. to Ray St. and Eli Lilly. The $22 million project is part of a project to reconfigure an underutilized expressway that was planned and built before the advent of interstates and was part of a more extensive set of US 31 expressway improvements that essentially never came to fruition.

[silverback1065]

Work on the Michigan and New York two-way conversions in Indianapolis has resumed. This project will convert New York St. and Michigan St. from one-way roads to two-way roads between College Avenue and Ellenberger Park. Funded in partnership with IndyGo, the project will help balance bus routes on Washington St. There will also be significant sidewalk and curb improvements and a resurfacing of all affected roads. Work will wrap up this winter.

--

Work to rehabilitate the 16th St. bridge over the White River in Indianapolis will begin soon. This will address spalling concrete issues and the bridge deck. The structure will be closed to traffic during construction.

--

Major thoroughfare drainage improvements are coming to Bluff Rd. (from Wicker Rd. to Thompson Rd.) this year, and drainage improvements and major road reconstruction of Kentucky Ave. (from Mann Rd. to Raymond St.), all in Indianapolis.

--

29th and 30th St. in Indianapolis will be converted to two-way throughfares. 29th St. will be converted from the White River to Central Ave., and 30th St. from the White River and Parkway East Drive to Meridian St. This is part of the rebalancing of traffic needs and IndyGo bus routes. Presentation ; Fact Sheet

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The arch bridge along Lafayette Rd. over Little Eagle Creek in Indianapolis will be rehabilitated this year.

--

Madison Ave. in Indianapolis will be significantly rebuilt from a quasi-expressway into a four-lane road with a shared use path (Interurban Trail) from the Pleasant Run Pkwy. to Ray St. and Eli Lilly. The $22 million project is part of a project to reconfigure an underutilized expressway that was planned and built before the advent of interstates and was part of a more extensive set of US 31 expressway improvements that essentially never came to fruition.

   2 questions: what were the planned 31 expressway improvements that never happened? they arent going to close 16th with 30th still closed are they?

[jhuntin1]

Drove I-465 eastbound yesterday and saw new signs up on the I-65 NB ramp to I-465, I assume with I-69 shields and control cities. Couldn't get a good angle, but the old set was still up in front of them too.

They were installed over the weekend. Westbound 465/74 and southbound 69 say Peoria and Evansville, eastbound 465/74 and northbound 69 say Cincinnati and Fort Wayne. They're attractive-looking signs, and the first of many overhead assemblies.

[Interstate 69 Fan]

Drove I-465 eastbound yesterday and saw new signs up on the I-65 NB ramp to I-465, I assume with I-69 shields and control cities. Couldn't get a good angle, but the old set was still up in front of them too.

They were installed over the weekend. Westbound 465/74 and southbound 69 say Peoria and Evansville, eastbound 465/74 and northbound 69 say Cincinnati and Fort Wayne. They're attractive-looking signs, and the first of many overhead assemblies.

Any images? Also any other instances of these signs anywhere along the 465/74/69 concurrency?

[ITB]

INDOT has a new commissioner. Kent Abernathy, who replaced former commissioner Mike Smith who served during the Holcomb administration, has resigned after just two-and-half months on the job. Governor Braun has appointed Lyndsay Quist, who previously served in several leadership positions at INDOT, as INDOT commissioner, effective Monday, March 31.

[jhuntin1]

Drove I-465 eastbound yesterday and saw new signs up on the I-65 NB ramp to I-465, I assume with I-69 shields and control cities. Couldn't get a good angle, but the old set was still up in front of them too.

They were installed over the weekend. Westbound 465/74 and southbound 69 say Peoria and Evansville, eastbound 465/74 and northbound 69 say Cincinnati and Fort Wayne. They're attractive-looking signs, and the first of many overhead assemblies.

Any images? Also any other instances of these signs anywhere along the 465/74/69 concurrency?

I'm always alone in the car when I drive through the interchange, so no pictures unfortunately. These were the first ones installed, I believe. I drove southbound on I-65 through the 465 interchange on Sunday and the new signs were not hung yet, but they were lying on the ground ready. Many of the interchanges will have entirely new sign structures. The concrete bases are in place, but the supports and the gantries have not been installed yet.

[ITB]

INDOT has released the draft 2026–2030 State Transportation Improvement Plan.

Comments on the plan will be accepted between April 1, 2025 and May 16, 2025. There also will be five public meetings hosted by INDOT to discuss the plan and receive feedback.

The meetings dates and locations are as follows:

South Bend
Wednesday, April 2, 3:30–5:30 pm

St. Joseph County Public Library Community Learning Center
Beutter-Kernan Hall
305 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46601

Indianapolis
Thursday, April 10, 2:30–5 pm

Indianapolis Public Library
Ft. Ben Branch
9330 E. 56th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46216

Fort Wayne
Wednesday, April 16, 2:30–5 pm

Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council
Citizens Square, Omni Room
200 E. Berry St. Suite 230
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Bloomington
Wednesday, April 30, 4–6 pm

Bloomington City Hall Council Chamber
401 N. Morton St.
Bloomington, IN 47404

Bloomfield
Friday, May 16, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Purdue Extension
Greene Crop Services Room
4503 W State Rd. 54, Bloomfield, IN 47424

[ITB]

Yesterday, I motored up to Martinsville and over to Spencer to take a peek of the White River floods. Photos were taken Sunday, April 6, 2025.


Near Spencer, the White River, technically the west fork of the White River, overflowed its banks, flooding a section of the town. Spencer is located in Owen County about 40 southwest of Indianapolis. The town recorded a population of 2,454 in the 2020 U.S. Census.


Looking west from Veterans Memorial Bridge in Spencer as the White River overflows into an agricultural field. The normal channel of the river is off to the right, out of view.


Spanning the river at Spencer is Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Main Street in Spencer to Potterville Road; looking southwest. The flood stage of the White River at Spencer is 14 feet; at this time, the river was exceeding 23 feet.



Looking northeast from Veterans Memorial Bridge toward the flooded sector of Spencer.


Plaque on Veterans Memorial Bridge. "... to pass over the troubled waters of the White River ..."


A spectator and Owen Valley Fire Territory personnel check out the situation, as emergency vehicles (background) respond to a report of a vehicle in the water near River Road.


While open to pedestrians, Veterans Memorial Bridge in Spencer was closed off to vehicles. Several people from the town came out to take a look.


The river being a nasty, bad boy; looking east from Veterans Memorial Bridge.


Just south of Veterans Memorial Bridge, water flows over Pottersville Road, severing the arterial; looking south.


Closer look. The strong current would easily sweep a vehicle off the road.


Water floods Cooper Commons park in Spencer; looking slightly southeast.


While areas near Spencer regularly experience White River flooding, this one was more significant and dangerous; looking southwest from near Veterans Memorial Bridge.


Eh, not so safe at this particular moment; looking east from near Veterans Memorial Bridge.


Google Maps
To give perspective of where the above photos were taken, here's the satellite view of Spencer and surrounding area. Veterans Memorial Bridge crosses the White south of town, connecting to Pottersville Road.


Google Maps
More expansive map, showing Spencer in relation to Bloomington and Martinsville.

I'll post some pictures from Martinsville soon.

Update: The White River crested in Spencer around noon on Monday, April 7, at a stage level of 24.41 feet. It is expected to drop to 23.30 by noon April 8, then to steadily drop over the next few days, falling below the 14 ft flood stage on April 12. The record flood in Spencer occurred on March 26, 1913, when the water reached the 28.50 stage level. The second highest level happened just 13 years ago on June 8, 2008, when the river crested at 26.84.

[ITB]

Alright, it's past time to get the Martinsville pictures posted. Photos were taken Sunday, April 6, 2025.


The flooding White River — technically the West Fork White River — flows underneath the bridge that carries State Road 39 in Martinsville; looking southwest. As the west fork of the river is considered the main fork of the two, it's commonly referred to as simply the White River.


Different perspective. The traffic light in the background denotes the juncture of SR 39 and SR 67.


The raging main channel of the river; looking north from the SR 39 bridge.


Although hundreds of acres of agricultural land flooded, the western sectors of Martinsville proper were spared the river's ravages due to an earthen levee; looking north.


The areas south of SR 39, however, flooded.


Another view south across State Road 39. The electrical transmission towers extend from the Eagle Valley Generating Station, a gas fired plant, located a few miles northwest of Martinsville.


A water rescue team on a run heading east over the SR 39 bridge.


Signage near the SR 39 bridge; looking slightly southwest.


To the south of Martinsville proper, Indian Creek overflowed its banks, severing Burton Lane. Burton Lane once had an intersection with SR 37, but that was sealed off when I-69 was constructed.


Looking west from Burton Lane, with a slice of I-69 in the background. As some of you know, INDOT is planning a truck parking facility in Martinsville. It's possible the area pictured could be one of several under consideration for the facility. Only about half of the large lot is flooded. To make the entire property feasible for the project, the ground would probably have to be raised a couple of feet and a levee constructed. Since there's only a select few locations for potential truck parking in the Martinsville area, and most involve either the flood plains of the White River or Indian Creek, this location might be high on the list.


Ah, yes, the White River. Usually, a nice, placid mid-sized river popular for canoeing, etc., but after heavy rains, it can change to a nasty, dangerous behemoth in a matter of hours.


 

[ITB]

Another photo batch. This time from Martin County. Photos were taken Tuesday, April 8, 2025.


In Martin County, about two miles east of Loogootee, State Road 550 was closed due to flooding of the East Fork White River; looking east.


The flooding created a large, shallow lake, covering hundreds of acres of agricultural land; looking south across SR 550.


The bridge that carries State Road 550 over the East Fork White River; looking east.


Looking southeast from Houghton Memorial Bridge toward the river's main channel. The flooding pictured in the photos above was occurring about 100 yards east of the bridge.


Turning around, the view looking north from near Houghton Memorial Bridge.


Closer look of the flood waters flowing over SR 550. It seems the water is fairly deep, upwards of 4 or 5 feet in depth. Note that the water level is only about a foot below the bottom of the diamond warning sign.


Disregarding the sign, some folks apparently believed that they probably could cross, that it wasn't that bad. But, nope, no can do.


Closer look of the river. Brown. Muddy. Dangerous.


About six miles east of Loogootee on US 50/US 150, a panoramic view of the East Folk White River from the Shoals Overlook.


The bridge that carries US 50/US 150 over the East Fork White River at Shoals, Indiana; looking west. Shoals is the county seat of Martin County. Split in half by the river, the downtown district is located on the east side. The building with the cupola is the old county courthouse, now repurposed as the Martin County Historical Museum. In the 2020 Census, Shoals recorded a population of 677.


Looking south from the US 50/US 150 bridge toward an aging railroad bridge. The bridge once carried the popular B&O line from Cincinnati to St. Louis. CSX now owns the trackage. Though confirmation is needed, I tend to believe the bridge and line through Shoals are still in use. The river at this time was well above the Shoals flood stage level of 20 feet. Most of the town, including the downtown district are not under threat, but some low-lying homes are expected to experience flooding.


Looking east toward eastern Shoals. The downtown district is off to the right.


Located a little east of the bridge is a stone marker near the southwest corner of US 50/US 150 and Main Street in Shoals. It's possible the marker denotes the right-of-way of US 50, property rights acquired by the state of Indiana when US 50 was constructed. The marker can be seen on Google Streetview.


Speaking of US 50/US 150, here's it is; looking west. Between Shoals and Loogootee, it's a curving, twisting road, featuring a few stretches with passing lanes. Today it's a typical modern road, but it isn't hard to visualize what it might have been like to drive it 75 or a 100 years ago.


Another image of the railroad bridge and the flooding East Fork White River; looking south.


Although the river's water level is quite high, life goes on as usual for the residents of Shoals. They've seen it all before. It's not unusual for the river to reach flood levels. Probably happens every year. These houses, located on Water Street on a bluff above the river, are not in danger, but others in town are.

Update: When the photos above were taken, the East Fork White River at Shoals was approximately at 28 feet. The flood stage at Shoals is 20 feet. The river is projected to crest on April 11 at a level of 31.80 feet.

[seicer]

I plan on doing some articles in the future about the cancelled/unbuilt/unfinished expressways and freeways of Indianapolis. But the last few photos show how destructive Raymond Street was to Garfield Park - it could have been worse if the expressway was fully realized.

An evening flight in Garfield Park, Indianapolis

It was a calm and pleasant spring evening—an ideal time to fly the drone and capture the beauty of my neighborhood in Garfield Park in south-central Indianapolis.

There was no better place to begin than the front yard. About fifteen years ago, the previous homeowner planted a Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula). Since then, it has grown into a mature tree, producing delicate pink blossoms each April. Its annual display brings a vivid burst of color to an otherwise typical neighborhood street, marking the arrival of spring.

1 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



2 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



3 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



4 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



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Ascending a bit higher, I flew the drone toward the edges of Garfield Park—the oldest city park in Indianapolis. Established in the 1870s, it was formally named in honor of President James A. Garfield following his assassination in 1881. Initially intended as a suburban recreational area, the park gradually became a major cultural and horticultural landmark. In the early 20th century, landscape architect George Edward Kessler redesigned the grounds as part of his broader Park and Boulevard Plan for the city, introducing formal gardens, fountains, a conservatory, and other notable features.

In July 2024, a major renovation project began on the park's historic Sunken Garden fountains. Funded in part by a $5.5 million investment from the Lilly Endowment, the project includes restoring the century-old fountains and improving the nearby Pagoda. The Friends of Garfield Park have played a key role, raising substantial funds toward their $1.4 million goal. Construction and testing are expected to continue through September 2025.

This restoration represents a joint effort between city officials and community organizations to preserve and revitalize one of Indianapolis's most treasured public spaces. Today, Garfield Park remains a vital part of the city, celebrated for its historic architecture, art deco features, and commitment to community programming.

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I concluded with a final view of Raymond Street, once intended to serve as an east-west expressway cutting through the heart of the neighborhood.

In 1962, city planners proposed the Raymond Street Expressway to connect Weir Cook Municipal Airport (now Indianapolis International Airport) on the west side to Interstate 74 on the east. The plan called for new interchanges, widened roadways, and newly constructed bridges along the corridor. Despite its scope, the project was never fully realized. Some sections of Raymond Street were improved, but the expressway was never fully completed. Today, the road reflects this incomplete vision—part expressway through the Near Southeast and West Indianapolis neighborhoods, and part urban boulevard through Garfield Park. While it connects to the Sam Jones Expressway on the west side, it ends at Southeastern Avenue on the east, falling short of its planned connection to Interstate 74.

There remains an opportunity to reconsider Raymond Street's role in the urban landscape. Though it carries a substantial volume of traffic, particularly truck traffic, it could evolve into a more unified and community-friendly boulevard rather than a disjointed corridor. With limited funding available for road maintenance on a per-lane-mile basis, the city might benefit from reallocating resources, enhancing the more heavily traveled segments while reimagining underutilized portions for improved public use.

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From blooming cherry trees to century-old gardens and dividing roadways, the evening flight offered a layered view of a neighborhood shaped by both history and hope for revitalization.

[jnewkirk77]

The rail line through Shoals is still active, but I don't know how much traffic it sees.  It hasn't had a direct connection to STL since CSX took the Illinois Subdivision between Flora and the Metro East out of service. That was in August 2015.

[ITB]

The rail line through Shoals is still active, but I don't know how much traffic it sees.  It hasn't had a direct connection to STL since CSX took the Illinois Subdivision between Flora and the Metro East out of service. That was in August 2015.

It's good to have confirmation on the rail line through Shoals. Thanks. I had checked the state rail map, which showed the line as active, but as the map was from 2021, I wasn't certain that was still the case.

Wawa To Open First Store in Indiana

In a news tidbit, Wawa is opening its first store in Indiana in mid-May. The store will be at 16100 W. Commerce Road in Daleville, just west of I-69. Daleville is located in Delaware County about five miles east of Anderson.

Up to 10 Wawa stores are expected to open in Indiana by the end of 2025, with a total of around 60 eventually planned for the state.

[silverback1065]

I plan on doing some articles in the future about the cancelled/unbuilt/unfinished expressways and freeways of Indianapolis. But the last few photos show how destructive Raymond Street was to Garfield Park - it could have been worse if the expressway was fully realized.

An evening flight in Garfield Park, Indianapolis

It was a calm and pleasant spring evening—an ideal time to fly the drone and capture the beauty of my neighborhood in Garfield Park in south-central Indianapolis.

There was no better place to begin than the front yard. About fifteen years ago, the previous homeowner planted a Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula). Since then, it has grown into a mature tree, producing delicate pink blossoms each April. Its annual display brings a vivid burst of color to an otherwise typical neighborhood street, marking the arrival of spring.

1 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



2 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



3 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



4 Weeping Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus pendula)



5



6



Ascending a bit higher, I flew the drone toward the edges of Garfield Park—the oldest city park in Indianapolis. Established in the 1870s, it was formally named in honor of President James A. Garfield following his assassination in 1881. Initially intended as a suburban recreational area, the park gradually became a major cultural and horticultural landmark. In the early 20th century, landscape architect George Edward Kessler redesigned the grounds as part of his broader Park and Boulevard Plan for the city, introducing formal gardens, fountains, a conservatory, and other notable features.

In July 2024, a major renovation project began on the park's historic Sunken Garden fountains. Funded in part by a $5.5 million investment from the Lilly Endowment, the project includes restoring the century-old fountains and improving the nearby Pagoda. The Friends of Garfield Park have played a key role, raising substantial funds toward their $1.4 million goal. Construction and testing are expected to continue through September 2025.

This restoration represents a joint effort between city officials and community organizations to preserve and revitalize one of Indianapolis's most treasured public spaces. Today, Garfield Park remains a vital part of the city, celebrated for its historic architecture, art deco features, and commitment to community programming.

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I concluded with a final view of Raymond Street, once intended to serve as an east-west expressway cutting through the heart of the neighborhood.

In 1962, city planners proposed the Raymond Street Expressway to connect Weir Cook Municipal Airport (now Indianapolis International Airport) on the west side to Interstate 74 on the east. The plan called for new interchanges, widened roadways, and newly constructed bridges along the corridor. Despite its scope, the project was never fully realized. Some sections of Raymond Street were improved, but the expressway was never fully completed. Today, the road reflects this incomplete vision—part expressway through the Near Southeast and West Indianapolis neighborhoods, and part urban boulevard through Garfield Park. While it connects to the Sam Jones Expressway on the west side, it ends at Southeastern Avenue on the east, falling short of its planned connection to Interstate 74.

There remains an opportunity to reconsider Raymond Street's role in the urban landscape. Though it carries a substantial volume of traffic, particularly truck traffic, it could evolve into a more unified and community-friendly boulevard rather than a disjointed corridor. With limited funding available for road maintenance on a per-lane-mile basis, the city might benefit from reallocating resources, enhancing the more heavily traveled segments while reimagining underutilized portions for improved public use.

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From blooming cherry trees to century-old gardens and dividing roadways, the evening flight offered a layered view of a neighborhood shaped by both history and hope for revitalization.

I didn't know Raymond Street was supposed to be an expressway. You should also look into Madison Avenue, sounds like that had similar plans that were also abandoned on that side of town.

[seicer]

A River Crossed: The Washington Street Bridge and the National Road

The Washington Street Bridge in Indianapolis has long served as a key crossing over the White River, tracing its origins to the early days of the National Road—the first federally funded highway in the United States. The first bridge at this location, a two-span covered structure completed in 1833, replaced a ferry service and supported westward expansion through the new state capital. Over the next several decades, the bridge was rebuilt multiple times, evolving from timber to iron to steel. Each iteration reflected advances in engineering, yet each faced its own challenges, including structural failure and catastrophic flooding. The most devastating of these events occurred during the Great Flood of 1913, which destroyed the existing span and called for a more durable solution.

Completed in 1916, the current bridge is a seven-span closed-spandrel concrete arch structure designed with longevity and flood resilience in mind. It carried vehicular and interurban traffic until the 1980s, when plans for White River State Park prompted a rethinking of its role. Public opposition to demolition led to its preservation, and by 1997, it had been fully converted into a pedestrian thoroughfare. Today, the Washington Street Bridge serves as both a functional path and a historical landmark, linking visitors to the city's early infrastructure and its enduring relationship with the White River.

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