Update: The Nickel Plate Trail Opens SOON!

With only weeks remaining until the Nickel Plate Trail officially opens to the public, BRAG wanted to provide an overview of some of the features you can expect to see along the trail.

These include amenities and safety features for trail users, as well as safety features for motorists approaching trail crossings.

Depending on the volume and/or speed of vehicular traffic where the trail crosses city streets, the city has installed a number of features to ensure trail users can safely cross.  For motorists, the city has installed electronic speed limit signs that indicate your speed as you approach the trail crossing.

Speed Limit Sign with Speed Reader on the Nickel Plate Trail at 65th Street

In most cases, the speed limit is 30mph at trail crossing zones. There are also speed “tables” at certain street crossings intended to make motorists aware of the approaching trail crossing and slow vehicular traffic.

 Pedestrian Stop Sign on the Nickel Plate Trail 65th Street Intersection

At all trail crossings, the city has installed various pavement markings and signage on the street, making motorists aware of the approaching trail crossing. As an additional safety measure, trail stop signs are installed on both sides of the street to remind trail users they are required to stop and check for oncoming traffic before crossing the street.

Speed Table installed on an Indianapolis Nickel Plate Trail intersection

Metal benches and bike racks will be located at a number of access points along the trail, similar to the ones pictured below.

This will give trail users the opportunity to stop and rest, and/or secure their bikes to explore nearby businesses. Water stations like the one shown here at the Kessler Boulevard. crossing will also be available along the trail at key locations.
 

Bike Rack, Bench, and Water Fountain on the Indianapolis Nickel Plate Trail

Signage has also been incorporated to let trail users know where they are on the trail, as well as where they are within the larger area. There will be mileage markers along the trail, as well as directional signage (Eastwood Middle School trail sign photo) to help trail users navigate the larger trail network. As part of its network of trail signage, the city has also developed an emergency location system to assist emergency responders and maintenance crews in identifying precise locations along trails or greenways. These red “emergency locator” signs along the Nickel Plate Trail are georeferenced to identify precise GPS coordinates in order for trail users to relay their location to authorities in case of an emergency along the trail. 

Trail Nickel Plate Trail Sign at Eastwood Middle School off 62nd Street

The Nickel Plate Trail will be a tremendous asset within the BRAG area, giving residents a new way to safely explore our neighborhoods, access other recreational amenities like Sahm Park, or connect to Indianapolis’ larger trail network. So, whether you are a trail user or motorist, we all have a responsibility to be aware of our surroundings and keep safety top of mind. So let’s all do our part to make the Nickel Plate Trail a great amenity for our neighbors of all ages and abilities to enjoy safely!