Citizen Powered Infrastructure Grant Secured
A coalition of residents from four neighborhoods secured a city-backed grant to install traffic-calming infrastructure at 16th & Monon. The design is finalized. The artists are recruited. Now we need volunteers to help build it.
The intersection today
Photo coming soon
If you've ever crossed 16th at the Monon, you've felt it. Cars that don't slow down. No signal. No protection. Just you and your best judgment.
Four lanes of traffic, confusing signals, unclear right-of-way. Drivers don't know when to stop and pedestrians don't know when it's safe to cross.
Drivers blow through at speed. Screeching tires are a regular soundtrack. Near-misses happen constantly.
Families with children, people with disabilities, older residents -- the most vulnerable people are the most at risk.
Since Fall 2025, the 16×Monon Neighborhood Alliance has been organizing, planning, and pushing this project forward. Here's where things stand.
Coalition launched
Kickoff meeting in fall 2025 with 16 residents from four neighborhoods. Steering committee formed and meeting regularly since.
Presented at (re)Vision 16th Street meetings
Shared the coalition's vision at the city's 16th Street reconstruction planning sessions in October 2025 and January 2026.
Won CPI grant approval from DPW
Secured a Citizen Powered Infrastructure grant in collaboration with the (re)Vision 16th Street project through the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. This is a city-backed tactical urbanism installation at the intersection.
Design finalized with DPW
Collaborated with the Department of Public Works on the full CPI design: painted curb bump-outs, parking stops, delineators, flexi-posts, and community artwork across four quadrants of the intersection.
Four community artists recruited
Local artists are creating original artwork for the intersection, giving the installation a community identity that goes beyond traffic cones.
Partners and fiscal sponsor in place
Central Indiana Cycling as fiscal sponsor. Ongoing collaboration with Health By Design, Harrison School for the Arts, Strong Towns Indianapolis, and local businesses along the corridor.
Intersection
(re)Vision presentation
Steering committee
This isn't a vague plan. The Department of Public Works approved the design, is providing materials, and is collaborating on execution. Here's what goes in on April 25.
Painted extensions of the curb line, reinforced with flexible delineator posts, that narrow the crossing distance for pedestrians. Less road to cross means less time exposed to traffic.
Physical elements that define the intersection edges and slow vehicles approaching the crossing. These create clear boundaries that are missing today.
Four local artists are creating original work for each quadrant of the intersection. The installation will be functional and distinctly ours, not just infrastructure but a visible statement from the community.
Delineation markers extending 200 feet in each direction on 16th Street to define on-street parking and calm traffic as it approaches the intersection.
The installation stays in place from April 25 through October 17, 2026, giving us six months to demonstrate what permanent safety improvements could look like. This is a temporary demonstration, but it's backed by the city and builds the real-world case for lasting change.
CPI design schematic
Design rendering coming soon
Volunteers install the full traffic-calming package: parking stops, delineators, painted curb bump-outs with flexi-posts, and community artwork across four quadrants. Rain date: April 26.
The CPI project feeds directly into the (re)Vision 16th Street reconstruction process. Real data and demonstrated community support can accelerate permanent capital improvements by DPW.
April 25, 2026
We need people to paint, place delineators, help with setup, and bring energy. No expertise required. You just need to care about making this crossing safer for everyone.
We'll reach out with logistics and details as the date approaches.
Not ready to volunteer yet? No problem. Sign up to get updates on what's happening at 16th & Monon -- build dates, events, progress, and ways to support.