PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City of Carmel, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administrative oversight from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), is developing plans for the proposed 116th Street Multi-Use Path Project (Des. Nos. 2400598 [Lead] & 2400599) located along 116th Street, from 0.10 mile east of Hoover Road to 0.06 mile west of Spring Mill Road, and along 0.29 mile of Clay Center Road from the roundabout at 116th Street and Clay Center Road, in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve connectivity between existing pedestrian facilities and decrease the potential for conflicts between pedestrians and motorists within the project area. The need for this project is due to the lack of pedestrian facilities in the project area, the missing connection between existing trails and sidewalks adjacent to the project termini, and the missing connection from 116th Street to Clay Center Elementary. The lack of sidewalks within the project area, as well as the lack of connectivity between existing sidewalks, requires pedestrians to share the roadway with motor vehicle traffic, which increases the potential for conflicts between pedestrians and motorists.

The project proposes to construct a 10-foot wide multi-use path along the north side of 116th Street, beginning 0.10 mile east of Hoover Road. An additional 0.29 mile segment will extend north along the west side of Clay Center Road from the 116th Street roundabout to tie into the existing dead-end multi-use path at Clay Center Elementary School located on the east side of the roadway. Along both streets, the multi-use path will be separated from the roadway by a 3- to 10-foot wide vegetated buffer. Wood-faced guardrail will be installed where the buffer narrows to 3 feet on 116th Street near Williams Creek. American with Disability Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps and crosswalks will be installed at Clay Center Road, Ditch Road, Williams Creek Drive, and Keaton Road. Along Clay Center Road a new mid-block crossing will be constructed approximately 0.29 mile north of the 116th Street roundabout. The mid-block crossing will connect to the existing path at Clay Center Elementary School and will include a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) with ADA-compliant push buttons. Stormwater improvements will include new curb and gutter and modifications to existing drainage structures to prevent roadway runoff from flooding the path. 

The proposed construction of this project will require approximately 3.992 acres of new permanent right-of-way (ROW) and 1.326 acres of temporary ROW. No relocations are anticipated as a result of the proposed project.

The maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan will consist of phased construction with detours. Access to all properties, both residential and commercial, will be maintained during construction. The MOT is anticipated to be in place for approximately 13 months, beginning Spring 2027 and continuing to Summer 2028.

The estimated cost for this project is approximately $5,232,299 which includes design, ROW, and construction costs. Both federal and local funding will be used.