Bargersville improves walkability with $1.7 million project

<p>A $1.7 million pedestrian project is underway in Bargersville to connect neighborhoods to downtown and Switzer Park.</p><p>The town received $1.5 million in federal dollars from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) for the project, said Julie Young, town manager. IMPO is a planning organization authorized by the FAST Act to distribute federal funds and plan projects in the Indianapolis-area.</p><p>The $1.5 million went toward construction and inspection costs, Young said.</p><p>The town contributed $345,400 in matching funds for construction costs associated with the project, she said.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery<p>The project entered Phase 2 last week. The trail, sidewalk, street and stormwater work along Main Street was completed in March and April. Some items, such as planting grass seed and painting lines on the street, are still in the works, according to a news release about the project.</p><p>The final phase of the project includes a new walking trail and concrete sidewalks along Old Plank Road, from the western limit of State Road 135 to Harriman Avenue, bike lanes on Harriman Avenue, new street crossings, new stormwater structures and curbing on Old Plank Road and Main Street, according to the news release.</p><p>The goal is to connect Bargersville neighborhoods to the downtown area and Switzer Park.</p><p>Improving walkability is in the town’s comprehensive plan, Young said, so the project has been discussed for several years. It was set into motion when the town received the grant, she said.</p><p>“Long term, we are wanting our residents to be able to walk and bike to all the destinations they want to,” Young said. “Our neighborhoods, parks, businesses and schools are the main destinations.”</p><p>On the already finished Main Street trail section, many residents are already enjoying the new path, she said.</p><p>“It improves safety for people who are out walking. We are already seeing parents with their kids out walking in the last couple of weeks. We are hoping even more people will come downtown for our events and businesses,” Young said.</p><p>The contractor is building grade for the sidewalk, new curbs and stormwater infrastructure. Work will begin next week on the new storm inlets, she said.</p><p>Weather permitting, the project will be completed this summer. Phase 2 is expected to be completed 120 days after construction began on May 11, Young said.</p><p>The project was designed by Bargersville’s own IXOYE Trail and Greenways Engineering, Inc.</p>