Neighbors excited for Nickel Plate Trail expansion as 65th Street temporarily closes

Indianapolis, Indiana – For the next two weeks, E. 65th Street will not be accessible to traffic due to construction on the Nickel Plate Trail that passes through Marion County to the south.

In 2023, work began on extending the Nickel Plate from Hamilton County to the Monon Trail on the northern edge of Indianapolis. While some of the ancient rail route is still made of gravel, other sections have smooth asphalt.

The trail on either side of 65th Street is in this condition. Across the street, portions of the original train track still remain. That will be the focus of crew effort during the next weeks.

Though the route is still being developed, those in the vicinity are already taking pleasure in it.

“I try to eat lunch for at least 30 to 60 minutes every day,” Muhamed Selimovic stated. He started going for daily walks and works close to the trail.

Selimovis stated, “Even just getting up for 30 minutes and moving around and feeling my heartbeat and blood flow is really good for my health.” “I just feel better overall in the last couple of months that I’ve been doing it,”

When the path is finished, which should be around the middle of 2025, he can’t wait to see it.
“Whether people walk the trail or not, it’s a beautiful area,” he added. “There are lots of trees, greenery, and shade.”

Drivers coming from Binford Boulevard or Allisonville Road to the south will be rerouted onto 62nd Street while 65th Street is blocked to through traffic.

From his 65th Street company, Bryan Johnson is aware of the closures. Great Fermentations is his store where he sells supplies to make wine and beer. Although he notes that it’s something they’re used to, he expects the construction will interfere with how their consumers get to them.

Johnson remarked, “I’m sure it will, but how is it any different from everything we’ve been dealing with with everything being closed this last summer?”

When work is finished, he can’t wait for more people to pass through the neighborhood.
“More traffic is better for a retail business,” Johnson stated.

In 2023, work on the Nickel Plate Trail began. Nine miles of new path will be built as part of the approximately $15 million project, which will extend the Nickel Plate path from Hamilton County. When completed, it will form a 40-mile loop connecting the Midland Trace Trail, Monon, and Nickel Plate.

Selimovic thinks it’s a great asset to the neighborhood.

“I’ve already encountered a few strangers strolling along the path, and it’s just a friendly, ‘Hey, how’s it going, how are you doing?'” stated Selimovic. It’s that brief exchange of communication. It’s encouraging to observe.

It is anticipated that the new nickel plate trail will open in the middle of 2025.