This project will support safety upgrades street modernization and TSP for a section of historic east washington street

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (Indygo) $27.3 million under the National Infrastructure Investments program (CFDA 20.933) on September 24, 2025, to support safety upgrades, street modernization, and transit signal priority (TSP) improvements along a section of historic East Washington Street in Indianapolis. The project, coordinated with Indygo's Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, will be completed by December 31, 2028, and includes sidewalk upgrades on both sides of the corridor, new crosswalk pavement markings with continental-style striping, ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb extensions with daylighting, pedestrian islands, updated signage and wayfinding, new traffic signals with transit signal priority capabilities, and dedicated BUS rapid transit lanes. By consolidating procurement with the Blue Line CIG-funded project, the award leverages cost savings through simultaneous construction.

The project will enhance transit efficiency, safety, and accessibility for riders of the Blue Line—which will replace Indygo's existing Route 8, one of the system's highest-ridership lines—as well as for residents, employees, and visitors throughout the corridor. The National Infrastructure Investments program provides competitive grants for surface transportation capital and planning investments with significant local or regional impact, making this award consistent with the program's focus on multimodal corridor improvements and complete streets redevelopment that advance safety, mobility, and community connectivity.

Activities

This project will enhance and transit efficiency safety accessibility and connectivity along a section of historic east washington street. Activities for this project include upgrading sidewalks on both sides of washington street adding new sidewalks where needed providing new crosswalk pavement markings adding continental-type crosswalk pavement marking ensuring all corners of intersections are equipped with ADA curb ramps and daylighting curb extensions adding/updating pedestrian islands updating signage/wayfinding as needed adding new signals installing transit signal priority adjusting road configuration and adding dedicated bus rapid transit lanes.

Expected outcomes

Increase safety transit efficiency and accessibility along an eastern portion indygos new blue line bus rapid transit line.

Intended beneficiaries

This project will improve transit and safety for all riders of indygos blue line bus rapid transit line (this line will replace indygos existing route 8 which is one of the highest ridership lines in the indygo system). This project will also benefit residents employees and visitors along the corridor by improving safety and accessibility in the area.

Subrecipient activities

Not applicable to this award