Maneuvering Mass Ave

Construction on the northeast corridor continues as Sunesis, the construction contractor, makes its way from North and Alabama streets towards 10th Street and the Monon Trail. The rendering (right) shows how the Cultural Trail will look along the east end of Mass Ave when finished. See more before and after images.

• Mass Ave/Bellefontaine Street from College Avenue to 10th Street is restricted to one-way northbound. This restriction will be in place until late summer of 2010. During the initial phase of this restriction, left turns to westbound 10th Street will be prohibited. Motorists will only be able to turn eastbound from of Bellefontaine Street. 10th Street will also have some restrictions during this time period but traffic will be maintained east and westbound.
   
• Parking will be available on the north side of Mass Ave from College Avenue to Bellefontaine Street.
   
• The alley between Mass Ave and College Avenue (behind Scholars Inn) is closed to traffic. This closure will be in effect for approximately three months.

Other traffic restrictions will be needed in the weeks and months to come. We will keep you updated throughout the construction process.

The businesses and shops on the East end of Mass Ave are OPEN.  A great way to support the Cultural Trail is to frequent the businesses impacted the most from its construction.

Download the detailed street map to see the specific Cultural Trail route.

For more information contact Gail Payne, 317.713.3333 or gail@indyculturaltrail.org.

Bike to Work Friday, Mayor's Bike Ride Saturday

This weekend offers two great opportunities to get on your bike and ride!

Bike to Work Day is this Friday, May 15. Register on www.BicycleIndiana.org and find group rides near your home. Meet other commuters on Monument Circle for free bike parking, breakfast, giveaways and information about bicycling and regular commuting.

The Marion County Health Department, the City of Indianapolis, and Health by Design invite you to join the Mayor's Bike Ride.

Saturday, May 16
1- 3 p.m. registration at NOON
Veterans Memorial Plaza (Michigan Street just north of the Indiana War Memorial)

This free event will incorporate two routes, both designed to highlight the connectivity of new on-street bike lanes (see photo of bike lanes on Michigan St. near Meridian St.) with existing trails and green space and to encourage participation from all ages and all ability levels. A 10.5 mile loop will incorporate the bike lanes and the use of the Pleasant Run Greenway Trail, and a 3 mile loop will incorporate the bike lanes and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Registration is free and open to anyone who wishes to tour the city from a new perspective. Helmets are required.

For more information visit www.SustainIndy.org.

Next Brown Bag Meeting: Tues., May 19

Get the latest updates on the Cultural Trail at the next open public meeting:

Tuesday, May 19
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Nestle Inn, 637 N. East Street

Feel free to bring your lunch and your questions for Cultural Trail team members.

Save the Date: Sat., Aug. 15 Mass Ave Criterium

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail Mass Ave Criterium bicycling race, presented by NUVO, will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of the Mass Ave cultural district. (Photo: Cyclists race towards the finish line on Mass Ave.)

See European-style racing up close and personal as cyclists from around the Midwest race by you at 25 to 35 mph competing for cash prizes up to $5,000. Race heats include Men 1/2/3, Men 3/4, Men 4/5, Women Open and a free kids race. 

To avoid the Cultural Trail construction, the route will shift southwest on Mass Ave from its 2008 location. This year's route will run from the 400 block of Mass Ave to East Street to Vermont Street. The Athenaeum and Rathskeller will be race headquarters, offering registration, the awards ceremony and refreshments from the Rathskeller biergarten. The YMCA at the Athenaeum will offer free showers for participating cyclists and the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) will provide emergency services. The free Pedal and Park corrals and a free kids bicycle safety rodeo presented by Bicycle Indiana will also be stationed in the IFD parking lot off Mass Ave.

Sponsorships are available and proceeds benefit the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Mass Ave Merchants Association. For more information contact Gail Payne, 317.713.3333, gail@indyculturaltrail.org or Kevin McKinney, 317.254.2400, kmckinney@nuvo.net.