Indianapolis Plans 340-Foot Trail Bridge Over 82nd Street in Castleton

Indianapolis plans to carry the Nickel Plate Trail over 82nd Street in Castleton with a new bridge.

The Department of Public Works said the main span would run 340 feet, roughly the length of a football field, and that construction could start in mid-2028 and last about one year. DPW said it has lined up $6 million in state and federal money to help cover the cost.

Harrison Rice of the Department of Public Works said the structure would be built to separate trail users from vehicle traffic on a heavily used roadway. "82nd Street is one of our busiest thoroughfares that we have in the city," Rice said. "So, it's of the utmost importance to have a dedicated pedestrian bridge that is separated from street level for our Nickel Plate users."

Designers put two concepts in front of the public at Tuesday's meeting for feedback. One proposal calls for a shade canopy in bright colors; the other places a playground for children on the site. Both draw on the trail's history, with a train shown on bridge panels and a palette of orange, green and turquoise drawn from the Nickel Plate Trail logo. Designers said they are planning a spot where residents can gather rather than a crossing alone.

Cyclist Pat Garvey backs the plan. "I do like the fact that they're taking all these trails and making them into community greenspaces including the artwork," Garvey said.