INDIANAPOLIS - A unique path connecting Indianapolis neighborhoods, entertainment amenities and the central Indiana greenway is almost finished. Crews are putting the finishing touches on the final leg of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

The southeast corridor of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is in its final steps to completion -- a path stretching from Washington Street to Pennsylvania Street and Shelby to Prospect streets on Virginia Avenue.
  
It's the last leg of the eight-mile trail connecting neighborhoods, cultural districts and attractions.

This week, crews begin installing trail pavers, a project that will take about two weeks to complete.

Smoothing out the pavement is expected to wrap up this week, but traffic restrictions will remain in place for the next few weeks and the new railing for the bridge over Interstate 65 doesn't arrive until mid-October.

"We're looking at a fall completion date," said Department of Public Works spokeswoman Natalie Derrickson. "It's really transformed... all the areas. And the southeast corridor is really great. Improvements done at Fountain Square, Prospect Street and Virginia Avenue will bring it all together."

"I can't wait," said Wally Bolinger, with Red Lion Grog House. "It's been a long two years' worth of construction. Myself and everybody here is ready for this to be over with."

Crews broke ground on the trail in the spring of 2007, promising pedestrians and cyclists easy access to what the city has to offer.
 
The completion of the southeast corridor has been a long time coming, but well worth the wait.

Despite the traffic headaches, the trail has attracted new apartment buildings, businesses and shoppers.

"There's been a lot more foot traffic along here," said Kelly Gray. "We're looking forward to seeing a lot more people come down."