Indy Unveils $48 million In Road Upgrades

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) has announced a $48 million investment in infrastructure across Marion County, but local leaders are keeping a wary eye on shifting tax policies that could impact future funding.

The new projects are primarily funded through federal gasoline tax revenues. However, with Governor Braun declaring a state gas tax holiday and President Trump proposing a similar move at the federal level to ease the burden of rising fuel prices, questions are rising about the long-term stability of Indiana’s road budgets.

“We’re watching the federal and state governments very closely,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to continue to generate the kind of money that will necessarily improve our city’s investment.”

Focus on the Eastside and Martindale Brightwood

A major centerpiece of the announcement is a $12 million upgrade to North Emerson Avenue between 30th and 38th streets. The project will include complete pavement rehabilitation and a new dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The corridor runs through the Martindale Brightwood area, a community that has historically felt overlooked by city infrastructure plans. Beyond the IMPO funds, City-County Councilor Ron Gibson noted that the recently approved $500 million Metrobloks data center near 25th and Sherman Drive will provide an additional $22 million specifically for affordable housing and infrastructure in the immediate neighborhood.

Key Projects Included in the $48M Package:

North Emerson Avenue: $12M for pavement and pedestrian paths.

Bridge Repairs: Improvements to the Brookville Road bridge over Shadeland Ave and the West Street bridge over the downtown canal.

Intersection Upgrades: Work at 25th and German Church Road, and Franklin Road at Rawles Avenue.

Green Spaces: Funding for the Grassy Creek Greenway and expansions of the Knozone and Bikeshare programs.

While the city spent $289 million on infrastructure this year, Hogsett expressed a desire to increase that figure by $100 million in 2027, provided that tax revenues remain stable during the upcoming budget cycle.

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