Central Avenue bridge to reopen this summer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After more than two years being closed, the Central Avenue bridge is set to reopen this summer, Indianapolis leaders say.

Thousands used to use this bridge, but since 2017, it has been under construction. City leaders said erosion was a problem, and it had deteriorated so much the bridge was closed months before it had been scheduled to shut down.

Some drivers have complained to News 8 since then about the challenges crossing Central Avenue and their inconveniences getting around town.

Making Central Avenue a two-way street has helped alleviate some of those concerns. 

Since the Central Avenue bridge closed, construction has closed the bridges along Fall Creek Parkway at Capitol and College avenues. Both closed. Both have reopened while Central has remained closed. 

When the bridge does open up again, it will mean more cars coming through Central. People who live along the street said they will miss the quiet.

“Probably will be way more traffic going through here all hours of the day and night,“ said Sam Burton, who has lived along Central for about a year.

Some may be wondering why it has taken so long for the construction to take place. This bridge was built in 1899. A city spokeswoman called it a historic gem, meaning it will take more time to make the fixes, and the construction work is more dependent on the weather.