Indianapolis Started 86th Street Construction Project

The project aims to improve safety by adding pedestrian islands and modifying curbs along the corridor.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Construction

Newly constructed concrete pedestrian islands and curb extensions on a suburban road corridor in Indianapolis under clear afternoon light. — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works has launched a major safety improvement project on 86th Street, including new pedestrian islands and curb modifications. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Indianapolis Department of Public Works has launched a major construction project on 86th Street, stretching from Meridian Street to Allisonville Road. The initiative is designed to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety while reducing the roadway to one lane in each direction.

Why it matters

This project aims to improve crossing safety for those accessing the Monon Trail, directly supporting the City of Indianapolis Vision Zero policy. Officials hope the modifications will address a recent trend of accidents in the area.

The project documents nine pedestrian and cyclist crashes in the corridor near North Central High School in recent years. City planners are addressing this safety record by restricting access to the Nora Corners Shopping Center to right turns only.

The players

Indianapolis Department of Public Works

This local government agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure within the city of Indianapolis.

North Central High School

This educational institution serves as a central landmark for the area currently undergoing transit and safety modifications.

The details

The construction involves installing pedestrian islands, upgrading curbs to meet ADA standards, and relocating a traffic light near the Nora Corners Shopping Center. Officials have also removed a traffic light and extended the median through the intersection to improve traffic flow and pedestrian protection.

Construction officially started in September 2026.
Median work is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Curb construction is scheduled to wrap up by April 2027.
Work on an elevated pedestrian and cyclist bridge is slated for late 2029 or early 2030.

Market Landscape

The construction project follows the guidelines established by the City of Indianapolis Vision Zero policy to reduce traffic fatalities. This effort represents a significant shift toward prioritizing pedestrian safety over vehicle throughput in major city corridors.

Commuters should prepare for traffic delays as the road is reduced to one lane in each direction during the construction phase. Additionally, shoppers visiting the Nora Corners Shopping Center must navigate new traffic patterns that restrict access to right turns only.

The takeaway

These changes reflect a commitment to reducing traffic accidents by physically separating pedestrians from high-speed vehicular traffic. Residents should plan for long-term road adjustments as the city moves toward a multi-phase infrastructure update lasting through 2030.

What happens next

Median work is expected to conclude in December 2026, followed by the planned completion of curb construction in April 2027. Construction of the elevated bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is expected to begin in late 2029 or early 2030.