Carmel Plans More Infrastructure Improvements

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Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has announced dozens of infrastructure projects to take place over the next several years. The efforts include new roundabouts, bike paths and landscaping projects.

Carmel, Ind. — Mayor Jim Brainard outlined an aggressive infrastructure improvement plan today that focuses on the East Side of Carmel. The plan includes many projects that will get underway in 2015 and others that are in the planning stages this year for completion in the next few years.

Several new roundabouts, bike paths and extensions, landscaping projects and a new fire station to serve East of Keystone residents are all part of the plans announced today at a press conference held at Carmel City Hall. The plans were announced so that residents and motorists will know what to expect as the spring and summer construction seasons quickly approach.

“Carmel consistently ranks among the best cities to live for a variety of reasons, but it is also important we not rest on our laurels. We want to make sure our residents have safe and efficient streets, strong public safety and neighborhoods that connect with Carmel's vibrant and walkable environment,” said Brainard. “We have worked hard to build world-class city, but at the same time we need to continue investing in our neighborhoods.”

In 2010, the city of Carmel opened the new Keystone Parkway, which provided unprecedented access for East Side residents to safely and easily drive, walk or bicycle across Keystone, which up until then had been a congested, four-lane busy highway that was very dangerous to cross. In subsequent years, the city turned its attention to the West Side of Carmel, particularly the areas that were annexed, and to our central core where we have been focused on developing our City Center and Arts & Design District.

“The strength of any city is directly tied to the quality of life experienced by its residents. And that holds true no matter where you live. I am very happy to announce the list of priorities that I have outlined for the East Side,” said Brainard.

A list of projects is below:

Capital Improvement Plan for the East Side of Carmel

NEW BUILDING

· New Fire Station on Main Street – built in conjunction with Township; Designed; Bid this spring.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

· River Road reconstruction and realignment from 116th to 126th Street to remove dangerous curves south and east of Plum Creek Golf Club

· River Road north of Main Street to Prairie Trace Elementary – expansion to 3-lane Blvd.

· 96th and Keystone – expedite progress for roundabout interchange

· 96th Street from White River to Keystone Parkway – removal of traffic signals, construction of roundabouts to improve traffic flow and eliminate congestion

ROUNDABOUTS

· 116th and Gray Road – new roundabout

· 116th and Hazel Dell Parkway – new roundabout

· 126th and Gray Road – new roundabout

· Main Street and Gray Road – new roundabout

· 136th Street and Gray Road – new roundabout

· 136th Street and Carey Road – new roundabout

PATHWAYS

· 136th Street – Currently under construction bike path project from Keystone to Gray Road

· Main Street – Currently under construction bike path project from Keystone to Gray Road

· Gray Road – Bike path extension to complete access from 96th Street to 146th Street

· 126th Street from Keystone Parkway to River Road – Bike path improvements

· 116th Street from Keystone Parkway to River Road – Bike path improvements

LANDSCAPING PROJECTS

· Roundabouts at each interchange along Keystone Parkway

136th Street

Main Street

126th Street

Carmel Drive

116th Street

106th Street

· Roundabout at 126th and Hazel Dell Parkway

· Roundabout at Main Street and Hazel Dell Parkway

· Carmel Wastewater Treatment Plant, Hazel Dell Parkway at 96th Street

PARKS AND RECREATION

· White River Greenway – Expansion north of this river-hugging greenway to 146th Street, working with Conner Prairie on land acquisition.

· Founders Park – Adding a boardwalk along an area of the pond and parking lot lighting.

Source: City of Carmel