Residents Petition to Keep 16th Street Bridge Partially Open During 2-Year Closure

More than 1,000 people sign petition asking city to reconsider full closure plan for bridge repairs.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a city street with a bridge in the distance, the lights of passing cars creating soft, warm pools of color and light, conceptually representing the hazy uncertainty surrounding the upcoming bridge closure.The impending closure of a vital Indianapolis bridge raises concerns about the impact on local traffic, businesses, and emergency services.Indianapolis Today

The 16th Street Bridge over the White River in Indianapolis is slated for a two-year construction project starting in June, but residents and businesses in the area are concerned about the impact of a full closure. Over 1,000 people have signed a petition asking the Department of Public Works (DPW) to keep at least one lane open in each direction during the repairs.

Why it matters

The 16th Street Bridge is a major artery connecting downtown Indianapolis to the Speedway and Haughville neighborhoods. A full closure for two years would significantly impact traffic, emergency services, and the local economy, especially after the lengthy 30th Street Bridge project that just recently reopened.

The details

The 16th Street Bridge was built in 1946 and is showing its age, with potholes and other wear and tear. DPW says the bridge needs extensive rehabilitation work and has recommended a full closure for the two-year project. However, residents and business owners like Robby Smith of Long's Bakery are worried this will be 'detrimental' to the community. They argue keeping one lane open in each direction would be a better solution to maintain access.

  • The 16th Street Bridge construction project is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026.
  • The 30th Street Bridge project in Indianapolis began in 2022 and just recently reopened after nearly four years of construction, raising concerns that the 16th Street project could also take longer than planned.

The players

Department of Public Works (DPW)

The city agency responsible for overseeing the 16th Street Bridge construction project and evaluating options for the closure.

Robby Smith

The owner of Long's Bakery, a local business located near the 16th Street Bridge that is concerned about the impact of a full closure.

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What they’re saying

“We know that the bridge needs work. I mean, it's not a big secret. There's potholes and different things on it. But they're talking about a full closure for two years. That can be detrimental to the businesses around here, for the community...You close this bridge down, that really cuts out a main artery to Indianapolis and to us.”

— Robby Smith, Owner, Long's Bakery

“16th (Street) Bridge is our main road from getting from the west side into downtown. If you cut that off, not only would you be delaying traffic, but you would be cutting off the main route for ambulances to get to hospitals...for firefighters to get to fires...for police to get to emergencies.”

— Petition Signer

What’s next

DPW is investigating if any alternative timelines or partial closure options are feasible for the 16th Street Bridge project and will share those with the community. Residents and businesses are hosting an open dialogue about the project on Thursday at 6:30 pm at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between necessary infrastructure repairs and the significant impact those projects can have on local communities, especially when full closures are proposed. It underscores the importance of transparent communication and exploring alternatives that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and public safety.