RSS
Home
Now is the time for Indianapolis to get on the train.
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
The Charlotte Lynx Blue Line has opened with impressive ridership.
The interchange at I-465, I-69 and Binford Boulevard is one of the most frequently traveled in Central Indiana. This node is the beginning of arguably the most vital transportation and commercial corridor in the region used by persons in Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, and Noblesville. More than 150,000 vehicles travel in this area every day with projections showing exponential growth in the coming years. This area also happens to be the fastest-growing region in Indiana with Marion, Hamilton and Madison Counties containing approximately 1.3 million people. Any way you slice it, trying to solve the problem by only adding more lanes is not a viable solution.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (InDOT) has proposed a widening and realignment project that includes eight miles of I-465, from just east of the US 31 (Meridian Street) interchange to just north of Fall Creek Road, as well as more than two miles of I-69, crossing over 82nd Street and ending just south of the 96th Street interchange. At this point, the estimated cost is $567 million and represents an enormous investment into northeast Marion County. This project does NOT include any portion of I-69 north of 96th Street to Exit 10 in Fishers/Noblesville.
According to the InDOT website, during the peak evening travel period, every segment of roadway in the project area operates at a level of service (LOS) of "D" or "E." (LOS is the level at which a roadway allows the flow of vehicles and is rated by grades. "A" represents the least amount of congestion and "F" represents the most. LOS "D" is the lowest accepted level for an urban environment.) InDOT estimates that six of the seven segments for this stretch of repair will operate at a LOS of "F" by the year 2031.
InDOT states that the primary purpose of the project is to reduce the expected traffic congestion and enhance mobility in the area. In addition, this project complements many plans of other local municipalities — including the City of Carmel and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works — to improve and expand local roads that cross over and under I-465 and I-69.
Now, in this world of “billions and trillions,” a half-a-billion dollars doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but in Indiana transportation dollars, this is a significant investment for a stretch of road that has seen numerous improvements over the years and is sure to see more. Since this is public money at a time when budgets are being slashed in every department, one has to ask if this is this biggest bang for the buck. InDOT needs to realize that this corridor is at the point where only more lanes will equal more traffic and more traffic leads to more pollution. InDOT should try and partner with local jurisdictions to invest in regional mass transit. However, according to InDOT’s website, "Mass transit alternatives were studied as part of the ConNECTions study. The research revealed that motorists were not starting from and ending at concentrated common areas and that there would not be enough riders to pay for the transit operating costs. Further, it was found that the only alternative that met the purpose and need of the project - to reduce congestion, improve safety and align with state and local transportation plans - was this alternative."
Well, I think it is pretty obvious that people were not starting or ending at concentrated areas, park-n-ride barely exists in this region, so that is expected. Commuters are obviously starting at their homes and driving, most-times alone, the average 30 minute drive that Indianapolis commuter’s experience. Further, of course mass transit will not generate enough ridership to be profitable (Even Chicago's CTA has major budget issues with many sections of the L propped-up with 2 X 4's). Transportation infrastructure, and especially what is being proposed by InDOT for this stretch of interstate, rarely makes enough to cover operating costs let alone be profitable. Further, the ROI residents of this region will receive for this project will only equate to more pavement to patch and plow, more storm water to collect and treat, more pollution that we already pay federal fines for, and more traffic to “build our way out of.”
The first line of a comprehensive system should start in the Noblesville/Lapel area and terminate at the new billion-dollar, state-of-the-art Indianapolis International Airport. Of course, there should be a main hub for this sytem centered in downtown Indy at either Union Station (what? trains at Union Station?) or a new multi-modal transit hub. A multi-modal transit hub adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium (this has been studied and supposedly was in the works) would provide respite for all of the buses downtown that currently lack a central depot. This transit hub would also provide a mass of people that could contribute to the restaurants, bars and shops in the area. Additionally, visitors to our fair-city would be able to leave the downtown area and possibly stop at 62nd St/BroadRipple Avenue & Keystone Avenue and visit Broad Ripple and the seemingly-always-being-revitalized Glendale Mall. Not to mention get people who live in the downtown area out to the 'burbs to visit places such as Hamilton Towne Centre or Clay Terrace, or get people in Anderson or Fishers to the airport.
The age-old argument that rail transit doesn’t pay for itself should not have been allowed to last this long. Since when is it a requirement that our transportation networks pay for themselves? If that was the case, the interstate system would not exist and the proposed I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville would not be near construction. I have yet to learn of a road that is profitable. If roads were so profitable, the State of Indiana would not have leased the State’s only Toll Road to a foreign consortium.
If we invested in rail mass transit connecting the communities of Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, and Noblesville (and possibly Muncie?) when ridership increases, all you have to do is add more cars or more stops. Private investment, as shown in every community where rail investments have been made, occurs along these new lines which lead to an increase in land values and property tax revenues. Further, investment in transit makes re-investments into existing communities by promoting walk-able, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. If you get more people on the streets, this has a tendency to lower crime. By lowering crime sometimes you can increase commerce, etc… This leads to an overall increase in the health of (sub)urbanized areas; not to mention the health of the people.
Some argue that Indianapolis/Central Indiana isn’t dense enough/big enough to support rail mass transit. Look at cities like Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Charlotte, all with rail and in the same population/density bracket as Indianapolis. These cities are all prime examples of how rail transit can help with congestion, pollution and economic development in cities our size.
Many politicians like to throw around that Indianapolis/Central Indiana is “world-class” or contains “world-class” amenities. In order for a region to be considered truly “world-class,” a reliable rail mass transit system is not an option. Central Indiana will never achieve its full potential with a road-only mentality and we will watch as other regions in this country continue to pass us by.
The time is now to build rail transit for Indianapolis/Central Indiana. Our region is the fastest-growing major-metro in the entire Midwest and despite the poor economy; the I-69 corridor is still seeing significant investment. If Indy really wants to be and play with the big boys, we have to get serious about mass transit and provide our residents with an option beyond the automobile. Until then, all of the conventions, Final Fours and Superbowl’s the City hosts will only provide a few fleeting days of “world-class.”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/sprawl/main.htm
http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090327/OPINION01/903270310
http://www.465-69northeast.in.gov/
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/LYNX/home.htm
Related Articles:
Comments
