BEECH GROVE — The City of Beech Grove has been notified by the U.S. Department of Transportation that it has been awarded a $17,082,400 grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Beech Grove was awarded the funds for the Emerson Avenue High Injury Network Safety Improvements, which will boost safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users along Emerson Ave. between Victory Dr. and Main St. The project will ultimately represent a total investment of approximately $21.35 million for the City.
Between 2018 and 2022, one fatal crash and 32 serious injury crashes occurred along this stretch of Emerson Ave. The improvements are designed to significantly reduce crashes and enhance safety by addressing speeding, conflict points, and accessibility challenges.
Planned improvements include converting four signalized intersections to modern roundabouts, closing three median cuts, and adding raised medians and pedestrian refuge islands at 17 crossings to reduce right-angle conflicts.
The project also will install pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at 20 crossings, fill sidewalk gaps, widen sidewalks to meet ADA standards, connect the existing Hornet Greenway and Franciscan Trail to downtown Main Street, and upgrade IndyGo bus stops for ADA compliance.