'Project Open Market' Aims To Revitalize East Side

INDIANAPOLIS -- An interstate ramp removal and reconstruction plan has been broadened into a wider initiative to spur more development on Indianapolis' near east side.

Officials on Wednesday unveiled "Project Open Market," which includes the previously announced removal of ramps to Interstate 65 and 70 on Market and Ohio streets and the construction of new ramps at Washington Street.

The project, in the works for about four years, is meant to improve vehicle traffic, increase foot traffic between downtown and the near east side and help economic progress, 6News' Ray Cortopassi reported.

Ramps are planned for both northbound and southbound lanes at Washington Street. The plan also includes moving the intersection of Southeastern Avenue and Washington Street and working to improve the appearance of a railroad overpass above Market Street.

Market Street will be reconstructed to include more landscaping and travel lanes to add better access to the newly renovated City Market and cultural trail.

City officials say the Ohio Street and Market Street ramps were more useful when Market Square Arena -- once the home of the Indiana Pacers -- existed. But after the arena was demolished in 2001, city planners determined that the ramps were unnecessary.

"When (MSA) came down, it dramatically changed the view of the east side of downtown," said Maury Plambeck of the Department of Metropolitan Development. "It suddenly became an asset that many people never thought about."

Barb Milton, of the Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Home near the Market Street ramp, said the ramp's removal will be a "coming-out party" for businesses on the city's near east side.

"There are some amazing businesses that are nestled beneath the bridge," she said.

The project is expected to cost about $22 million, with about $17 million of that funded federally, organizers said. It is expected to be completed by fall 2009.

Resource: Details Of Ramp Plans