INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) has started construction at select intersections along the Monon Trail and Pennsy Trail. Contractor crews began foundation work in preparation for bollard installation in the weeks ahead. Intersections were selected for bollard installation based on an assessment of safety concerns for cyclist and pedestrian users. While trails will remain accessible during foundation work and bollard installation, trail users can expect temporary partial closures as construction efforts continue over the coming weeks.
The bollards are designed to prevent motor vehicles from using the trails illegally. The city is also expanding the entire trail network by more than 20 miles this year.
Residents can expect to see periodic partial closures of trails at the following crossings as foundation work begins in advance of future bollard installation where the trails meet busy roadways.
The selection of locations for bollard installation along the Monon Trail and Pennsy Trail follows a months-long analysis by DPW Engineering staff of safety concerns across the City’s entire trail network. Bollard installation follows the funding of Indy DPW’s new, dedicated Trail Maintenance crew, focused on keeping the trail network safe and passable for bike and pedestrian users.
“Since the recent widening of the Monon Trail, DPW engineers have been evaluating crossings along the City’s entire trail network for pedestrian safety improvements while considering the need for maintenance accessibility. The intersections selected for bollard installation will provide the greatest safety benefit to trail users,” said DPW Director Brandon Herget. “As construction begins, and throughout the entire season, bike and pedestrian travelers should expect partial closures of trails as crews conduct essential work to keep our trail network safe and passable.”
Trail users should expect marked DPW Trail Maintenance vehicles and contractor vehicles to periodically access trails throughout the season to perform critical services such as debris removal, mowing, and brush cutbacks that maintain trail safety. Crews are directed to always leave at least one lane of the trail passable and flag bike and pedestrian traffic around crews as they work.
While work is ongoing to prohibit the illegal use of motor vehicles on trails, drivers should be reminded of their responsibility to follow traffic laws and obey posted signage at trail intersections stating that vehicles are not permitted. If residents witness a driver entering a trail with their vehicle, they are asked to report the incident to IMPD’s non-emergency line by calling 317-327-3811.
