Congressman André Carson, Mayor Joe Hogsett Highlight Downtown Investments

INDIANAPOLIS—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) and Mayor Joe Hogsett discussed the next phase of the Market Street reconstruction project, part of a larger investment in downtown Indianapolis. 

Market Street remains a key to Indianapolis history and an essential connector to downtown attractions, including Monument Circle, the Indiana State Capitol, the City Market, and other downtown businesses.  The first segment of the overall Market Street reconstruction project rebuilt the historic block of East Market Street between the City Market and the City-County Building. The second phase—Monument Circle to Illinois Street—is nearly complete.

The next phase announced today will target Market Street from Illinois Street to the Indiana State Capitol. This project is made possible in part through a $5 million award of federal Community Project Funds, which allow Members of Congress to direct federal dollars to important projects benefitting constituents across their districts.

“I’ll continue fighting to bring federal dollars where they belong—right here in Indianapolis,” said Congressman Carson. “This project is one of many that will have a long-term impact on our community, improving sidewalks and street accessibility leading up to the center of our state and the heart of our downtown: Monument Circle. In addition to this project, I’m proud to bring billions of dollars home to the Hoosier state to rebuild our roads, bridges, and transportation as part of historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure, thanks to monumental legislation I voted for over the last two years.”

The Market Street reconstruction project will reduce vehicular travel lane widths to “right-fit” the roadway for traffic volume and afford more pedestrian and amenity zones with enriched landscaping adjacent to Market Street.  Pedestrian accessibility will also be enhanced as curb ramps are brought up to accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and curb line improvements along Market Street will allow for shortened pedestrian crosswalks.

Market Street will be reconstructed with high-quality materials including brick pavers for the roadway and sidewalk areas and reconstructed concrete curbs along the roadway to complement the quality, design detail, and scale of Monument Circle.

“Downtown Market Street is one of Indiana’s most important roadways. Named for the City Market around which Indianapolis grew, these cobblestones unite Monument Circle with our Statehouse and City-County Building. It is critical that such a foundational part of our infrastructure reflects that importance,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The Market Street reconstruction projects are creating a more attractive and activated public space, encouraging storefront development along the corridor, and enhancing this already iconic destination.”

The bulk of construction for the Illinois Street to the Indiana State Capitol phase is expected to occur in 2027 and 2028.

Congressman Carson voted for historic legislation over the last two years to bring unprecedented infrastructure funding across the nation. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, $3.4 billion in federal funding has already been announced for 112 infrastructure projects across Indiana alone. In addition, roughly $4.75 million in federal pandemic relief funds have supported other downtown revitalization efforts, such as bringing tourism and conventions back post-pandemic as well as cleanliness, beautification, safety, and homelessness outreach efforts.