September 2022 Update

INDOT’s New ProPEL Indy Initiative

On August 22, INDOT announced a new initiative called ProPEL to study the entire Interstate System inside of I-465—other than the North Split and I-65 South Project (explained below). Click here to read INDOT’s bulletin. The Study will evaluate access and connectivity with the local transportation network for I-65 and I-70 within the I-465 loop and include how the Interstate System interfaces with public transportation, transit, and pedestrian facilities.
 
According to INDOT’s August 29 ProPEL RFP, INDOT intends to select a consultant to conduct ProPEL by early 2023, with the Study running from early 2023 to 2025. The ProPEL FAQs acknowledge Rethink Coalition’s work and invite our ongoing participation. More significantly, the RFP includes the Rethink/Arup Inner Loop Comparative Study and Total Value Report as supporting documents, the only outside materials included in the RFP.  We take this to mean that INDOT welcomes that initial feasibility study as a baseline vision for ProPEL.
 
Rethink plans to be heavily involved in providing input and soliciting community engagement in the ProPEL process. To that end, we ask that you complete this ProPEL Pre-Study Survey and circulate it to as many contacts as possible. Public engagement from communities impacted by the interstate will be critical to the success of the process. In questions 8 and 9 of the survey, many of us are citing the Rethink/Arup Inner Loop Comparative Study in our responses. Here are two examples:

Question 8:  What improvements to the I-65 and I-70 corridors would benefit economic opportunity and community livability for downtown, historic neighborhoods and nearby communities?
 
Example Answer: I support the recessed highway alternative explained in the Rethink Visionary Study as providing extensive economic opportunity and community livability benefits. Here’s the link to the Executive Summary of the Study.
 
Question 9: What improvements to the I-65 and I-70 corridors would promote safe, efficient movement of people and goods?
 
Example Answer: The Rethink Comparative Study explains how recessing the highway would promote safety and efficiency. Here’s the link to the Executive Summary of the Study.

Update on I-65 South Safety and Improvement Project

As reported in June, this spring INDOT announced an I-65 lane improvement and widening project that includes I-65/70 southeast split. On September 2, INDOT kicked off its formal process by sending all the consulting parties a detailed notice (over 200 pages of technical materials). In short, INDOT is moving ahead with the project and not including it in the recently announced ProPEL Indy initiative for the rest of the Inner Loop. While we are reviewing everything, two deadlines loom.  First, there is an initial consulting party meeting at 4 pm on September 19, virtually or in person at the Southeast Community Services building, 901 Shelby. Second, consulting parties have until October 1 to provide written comments to INDOT’s emailed materials.  

Federal Reconnecting Communities Grant Application

Rethink Coalition is working directly with the City of Indianapolis to file an application in October 2022 for a $2 million Reconnecting Communities grant under the new federal infrastructure legislation. It is a competitive grant program, and many other cities are likely to apply. Our application centers on a demonstration project on the southeast side of Indianapolis, where the Inner Loop is already recessed. We are referring to the project as the South Split Planning Study.