Connecting the Monon and Nickel Plate

Construction of a pedestrian bridge that will connect the Monon and Nickel Plate Trail should be finished by the Fall of 2025

Monon connecting to Nickel Plate

Plans are underway to construct a pedestrian bridge connecting two significant trails in Indiana, the Monon Trail in Carmel and the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers. The bridge will span the White River at 106th Street, creating a seamless path for joggers and cyclists.

The expansive project, overseen by the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department, will stretch from Hazel Dell Landing in Carmel to Fishers Heritage Park at White River.

According to Debbie Driskell, Delaware Township Trustee, the new bridge will contribute to one of the most extensive interconnected trail systems, bridging a seven-mile gap along the multi-use path on 106th Street.

The project cost will be shared between Clay Township, Carmel Clay Parks, and Delaware Township. While the former two will cover the cost of the bridge, Delaware Township will finance the final approach, landing, and connection to the 106th Street pathway on the Fishers side. The estimated cost for Delaware Township is $1.3 million, with the total cost for the bridge to be determined once the bids are opened.

The bridge will be 500 feet long and 14 feet wide. Additionally, a new parking lot will be constructed at Hazel Landing Park to serve as a trailhead, although no bathrooms are planned due to the area’s floodplain location.

The planned bridge will form the southern loop in a Hamilton County trail system that links significant greenways. On the northern end, the Midland Trace Trail, which is nearing completion, will enable users to transition from the Monon to the Nickel Plate.

Furthermore, the Nickel Plate and Monon trails will be connected in Marion County once Indianapolis completes its section of the Nickel Plate. Still, in planning, this extension will run from 96th Street to 42nd Street near the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Initially, there were plans to build a footbridge at 126th Street south of Conner Prairie to link Carmel to Fishers. However, this was deemed too expensive as it would require a system of boardwalks on the Fishers side due to the challenging terrain, as revealed by Klitzing.

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