Commission forwards Rogers/Patterson/Grimes resurfacing petition that would remove on‑street parking to add bike lanes and safety features

Engineering staff asked the Transportation Commission to forward proposed Title 15 amendments tied to a resurfacing project on Patterson, Grimes and portions of Rogers that would allow the city to stripe bike lanes, add refuge islands and make signal and curb‑ramp improvements under an INDOT Community Crossing matching grant.

Kendall Kenokei, presenting for the engineering department, said the project is primarily a mill‑and‑overlay maintenance effort but includes curb replacements, federally‑required curb ramp upgrades and safety improvements coordinated with the city’s Transportation Plan and Safe Streets for All goals. Planned countermeasures include flashing yellow arrow heads at left‑turn approaches, back plates on signal heads, truck aprons to calm turning vehicles, buffered bike lanes where pavement width permits, and refuge islands to shorten pedestrian crossings.

Two locations require Title 15 changes because they would remove existing on‑street parking: Rogers between Patterson and Dods (to provide continuous bike lanes) and a greenway crossing at How and Rogers (to install refuge islands). Kenokei said observed parking utilization on Rogers has been low and that removing limited spaces could yield a continuous bicycle facility while maintaining parking elsewhere. He proposed neighborhood outreach over the coming month before finalizing design.

Commissioners asked about sequencing with a larger Rogers‑Kinser‑Madison corridor study and whether curb or bumpout choices could limit future design options. Staff said they coordinated with the corridor study team and tried to keep the proposed elements compatible with likely outcomes, but acknowledged that physical curbed features could require future modification if the corridor plan changes. Kenokei noted the project must meet state funding timelines and staff intends to return to the commission with neighborhood feedback.

Action taken: the commission adopted the proposed findings and forwarded the petition for Title 15 amendments with a positive recommendation by roll call vote.

What to watch for: staff outreach to the affected neighborhoods, a report back on public input, and whether the final bid includes curbed bumpouts or lower‑cost markings that preserve future flexibility.