'Project Open Market' Travel Restrictions Ramp Up

INDIANAPOLIS -- More restrictions are now in place in an Indianapolis road construction and economic development project that has been planned for four years.

The northbound lanes of College Avenue were closed one way between Fletcher and Washington streets as Project Open Market work ramps up, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

Project Open Market is both a road project and an economic plan to bring more commerce to the city's east side, but there is short-term pain for businesses in the area.

"I'm really concerned about what it's going to do to my ... business for two weeks," said Tina Lagrotte, owner of Milano Inn. "If you can't get to me, I'm going to be in big trouble. A lot of people ... they don't really care about the detours. They'd just rather avoid the area."

The section of College Avenue will be closed for the next couple of weeks as storm sewer construction is done at the intersection of Washington Street and College Avenue.

There are also lane restrictions on Washington Street. It will be reduced to four lanes -- two eastbound and two westbound between College Avenue and Davidson Street -- also for two weeks.

The Department of Public Works plans other traffic changes through the summer as the project unfolds.

Developers hope Project Open Market will spur investment and economic opportunity on the near-east side by removing the Market Street ramp to Interstate 65/70 and building a new interchange along Washington Street.

Federal grant dollars are primarily funding the project. Businesses in the area said they will be challenged during the construction phase, but hope the long-term payoff will be worth it.

When the project is finished, officials hope to have a bustling economic community and a more pedestrian-friendly environment, better connecting the area to downtown Indianapolis.

More Info: Project Open Market