L to R: Mayor Dennis Buckley (Beech Grove), Brett Schnurpel (United), Brian Pierson (United), Bill Hall (United), Sean Northup (Indianapolis MPO)
The Churchman Avenue Sidewalk Project in the city of Beech Grove was delivered one year ahead of schedule thanks to the early availability of funds by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The new sidewalk provides safe pedestrian access to Churchman Avenue between Emerson Avenue and Arlington Avenue in Beech Grove, connecting nearly one mile of homes, businesses, schools, churches, and assisted living facilities. Handrails and safety fence along the steeper drop-offs adjacent to the sidewalk were also constructed. Prior to the project, pedestrians along Churchman Avenue were forced to share the street alongside busy vehicular traffic without any safety provisions for walkers.
In addition to the much-needed safety features for pedestrians, the project also improved drainage in the area through new curb and gutter, storm water infrastructure, extended drainage culverts, rebuilt driveways, and street approaches.
The project was partially subsidized using Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding administered through the Indianapolis MPO along with oversight from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).