New federal funding brings $22 million to improve Blue Line route

New federal funding will help realize transit and infrastructure improvements on the east side of Indianapolis, where IndyGo’s Blue Line is planned. The Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or& RAISE grant& provides nearly $22 million for projects along East Washington Street. The money will help IndyGo reconfigure roadways, add dedicated bus lanes and improve pedestrian infrastructure along the Blue Line route. Bus rapid transit lines use dedicated lanes to move bus traffic more quickly. The Blue Line will be the city’s third bus rapid transit line, with service from Cumberland to the airport. The& expansion of three such lines was approved& by Marion County voters and is supported by millions in federal grants. The competitive RAISE program from the U.S. Department of Transportation invests more than $1.5 billion a year in infrastructure projects across the country. The money targets local projects that align with long term infrastructure improvements in areas that have been underserved. Congressman André Carson said the grant is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “This law has resulted in thousands of new projects across our country, which translates to good-paying jobs and transformative projects that will directly impact Indianapolis residents,” Carson said in a statement....