Indianapolis, IN - The City of Indianapolis, Indiana, and American Structurepoint have earned a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) in the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards for the Emerson Avenue Corridor project.

A revamped Emerson Avenue corridor has significantly improved mobility, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced public safety for all types of travel in this bustling, high-traffic area of southern Indianapolis.

“American Structurepoint appreciates the opportunity to partner with the City of Indianapolis to help improve safety and mobility along Emerson Avenue,” said American Structurepoint President Cash Canfield. “Enhancing this vital segment of Emerson Avenue boosts access to public transportation and essential services while greatly improving pedestrian safety.”

For decades, this 2-mile stretch of Emerson Avenue, between Southport Road and County Line Road, experienced significant traffic congestion due to its inability to accommodate the development and traffic growth. Flanked by shopping centers at both ends, the corridor lies between two Interstate 65 (I-65) interchanges. It also serves as a vital route to Franciscan Health Indianapolis, various retail and business outlets, medical offices, churches, and senior living facilities.

Project improvements included widening a 2-lane roadway to a 5-lane roadway, which added a dedicated left-turn lane to enhance traffic flow. A new, 4-lane bridge was built over I-65. Pedestrian accessibility in the area received a significant boost with the addition of a multiuse trail and new sidewalks featuring ADA-compliant ramps. As part of the upgrades, three new bus pads were installed for IndyGo, the city's public transportation system.

In addition, flooding impacts have been reduced in the area. The drainage improvements addressed standing water in nearby ditches, and a new bridge over a nearby creek reduced flood impacts on hospital property.