Crosswalks Left Out Of $26 Million Road Overhaul

INDIANAPOLIS -- Business owners and pedestrians along a busy Indianapolis thoroughfare are upset that a $26 million construction project left out one thing -- crosswalks.

Construction on Pendleton Pike, from Post Road to Interstate 465, has been ongoing for two years, adding three lanes in each direction and adding or extending turn lanes.

But officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation told 6News' Sarah Cornell that crosswalks were not including in the plans.

"It was determined, when doing the design of this construction project, that traffic volumes were just too high," said spokeswoman Ashley Hungate. "There are too many lanes to cross safely to put the pedestrian signal in."

But that doesn't stop some from trying to cross the thoroughfare. Friday afternoon, a group of children dodged traffic on their way home from school.

"We have to go through cars," said pedestrian Paola Mercado.

"I just try to run as fast as possible and try to avoid traffic, said Shane Baker. "Really, you are just running for your life, to be honest."

Besides foot traffic, new medians included in the construction upgrades are keeping customers from getting to Pendleton Pike businesses, area merchants told 6News.

Workers at a Citgo gas station said they've seen a 50 percent drop in business, while Bunny's Auto Sales has had a 20 to 25 percent decrease.

"I'm kind of fortunate on this property, where the median isn't far enough down where they can't do a u-turn. I know there have been other people that have spoken that they can't get into their properties," said owner Brian Robertson.

Hungate said other businesses said they are pleased with increased traffic in the area. She said INDOT does not have plans to add crosswalks or remove medians.