The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. (IndyGo) recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Purple Line.
The 15.2-mile project will connect Indianapolis to Lawrence. It also will upgrade a large portion of Route 39 along the East 38th Street and Post Road corridors.
It is the second of three planned bus rapid transit lines. Once completed, the line is expected to improve the quality of life for Indianapolis residents and increase economic opportunity.
Work will include street paving, storm sewer separation, more than 350 Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps, nearly 10 miles of sidewalks, and a multi-use path.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett; Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier; Inez Evans, IndyGo president and CEO; U.S. Rep. André Carson (D-IN); Kelley Brookins, Federal Transit Administration regional administrator; Vop Osili, Indianapolis City-County council president; and Ashley Gurvitz, Alliance of Northeast Unification executive director, spoke at the event.
“The start of Purple Line construction symbolizes the beginning of new opportunity and growth for an entire community,” Evans said. “We know this project will bring unprecedented renewal and phenomenal transformation as residents take advantage of the opportunity to move forward faster.”
Construction will begin this month. The Purple Line is expected to begin service in 2024.