Monon Trail users will soon have a new route at the southern end of the trail, closed due to the major reconstruction of the North Split of Interstates 65/70. Named the Monon Loop, the permanent section of trail will be open by mid-May, serving as a detour during construction, officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation announced.
As previously reported in Urban Times, construction began on the Monon Loop late last year. The current Monon Trail runs beneath several interstate bridges within the interchange. The new Monon Loop will remain after the North Split project is complete in November 2022.
The Monon Loop will be constructed within existing right-of-way and will follow the Old Northside Trail. New trail construction will continue west/southwest to College Avenue. The existing sidewalk along College Avenue is being reconstructed to a 12-foot multi-use path along the east side of the roadway. The new section then runs behind the shops at College Avenue and 11th Street, ultimately connecting to the Cultural Trail at 10th Street.
Access to all parks in the project area will be maintained at all times during construction. The Frank and Judy O’Bannon Old Northside Soccer park and a portion of the Old Northside Trail will be reconstructed and widened within the Frank and Judy O’Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park.
Detailed maps with construction-related closure and access information can be found on the North Split website: https://northsplit.com/maps/.
INDOT encourages drivers to slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
For up-to-date project information, visit Northsplit.com or text “NORTHSPLIT” to 468311. Follow the North Split project’s progress on social media at Facebook.com/NorthSplit, @NorthSplit (Twitter) and @IndyNorthSplit (Instagram).
Stay informed / Indiana motorists can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time throughout the state, here: https://www.in.gov/indot/2420.htm. For details on the lane restrictions and closures associated with the current work, visit 511 Cars for more information.
PHOTO ABOVE: The new Monon Loop as it leaves College Avenue just south of Interstate 65, running eastward alongside the commercial building which houses Sultana Cafe, The Best Chocolate in Town and Leviathan Bakehouse.
