City of Indianapolis celebrates grand opening of 16 Tech Bridge

INDIANAPOLIS — With the roar of engines and cheers from the crowd, Indianapolis officials opened the 16 Tech Bridge over Fall Creek on Wednesday afternoon, marking a major milestone for infrastructure and connectivity on the city’s near northwest side.

“This new bridge will completely reimagine the way our neighbors experience our city,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said during the Wednesday’s ceremony.

Years in the making, the bridge spans 342 feet across Fall Creek at 10th Street and Riley Hospital Drive. It connects the 16 Tech Innovation District with downtown Indianapolis and the city’s research and medical corridor. The structure also integrates with the city’s broader greenway system, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

“The 16 Tech bridge was designed by the community, for the community — a physical and symbolic connection that brings neighbors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students closer to the resources and opportunities that drive innovation,” Emily Krueger, 16 Tech President & CEO said via news release. “The opening of the bridge marks not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of a new chapter for 16 Tech and Indianapolis — one where ideas move faster and communities grow stronger.”

Officials with the project reported that community collaboration, accessibility and safety were at the forefront of the bridge’s design. More than half of the bridge’s surface area is designated for pedestrians and cyclists, making it the first of its kind in Indianapolis.

“This is going to be an amazingly unique bridge,” said Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. “Over 50% of the roadway or flatway is actually for things other than cars.”

Osili said the design reflects growing concerns he heard from residents about non-vehicular safety in public infrastructure. The bridge includes protected pathways for walkers and bikers and eliminates left-hand turns onto 10th Street to reduce risk.

Adelle Stokes of the Riverside Riders cycling group praised the layout.

“The cars, the bikes, and the walkers are all separated in different sections, and that gives everybody a sense of security,” she said.

Still, Stokes emphasized that, while the bridge represents progress, Indianapolis has more work to do when it comes to other projects around the city.

“There is absolutely a lot more work to be done,” Stokes said. “The more bike lanes they have, the more designated areas, it would be great.”