7 Jaw-Dropping Infrastructure Projects & Major Service Changes: What Indianapolis DPW Is Doing Right Now In 2025

The City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is currently managing one of the most ambitious and high-budget construction seasons in recent memory, with a staggering $95 million allocated for upcoming infrastructure projects in 2025. As of today, December 19, 2025, the focus is not only on repairing the city’s battered roads but also on fundamentally changing how residents interact with core municipal services, from how trash is collected to how neighborhoods are designed. This comprehensive overhaul is led by Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson, who has made increasing the lifespan of city streets a top priority. The DPW's mission extends far beyond just filling potholes; it encompasses major transportation improvements, stormwater management, and a long-awaited shift in solid waste contracts. Understanding these current initiatives is crucial for every Indianapolis resident, as they directly impact daily commutes, property values, and the city's long-term sustainability goals. The latest updates from the July 17, 2025, Public Works Committee meeting confirm that these projects are moving forward rapidly.

The $95 Million Overhaul: Key 2025 Construction Season Projects

The 2025 Construction Season marks a significant investment in Indianapolis’s physical foundation. With over $95 million in capital projects, the Indy DPW is executing a multi-faceted plan to address decades of deferred maintenance and prepare the city for future growth. The goal is to not only fix immediate issues but also to build resilient, long-lasting infrastructure.

1. Aggressive Road and Street Lifespan Initiatives

Director Todd Wilson has publicly stated a commitment to increasing the lifespan of city streets, moving beyond quick fixes to more durable solutions. The 2025 plan includes extensive resurfacing, full-depth pavement replacement, and preventative maintenance across multiple neighborhoods. This approach is designed to ensure that the city's investment in road improvements yields benefits for many years to come, addressing one of the most frequent complaints from residents.

2. Critical Transportation and Stormwater Management Projects

A substantial portion of the $35 million in infrastructure funding is being directed toward major transportation and stormwater projects. These are not just aesthetic upgrades; they are essential for managing water runoff, preventing flooding, and improving overall traffic flow. The DPW plans and manages the design and construction of these complex projects, which include updates to aging sewer systems and new drainage solutions.

3. Two-Way Street Conversion Progress

A highly anticipated initiative is the continued conversion of one-way streets into two-way thoroughfares in the downtown core and surrounding areas. This move, announced by Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy DPW, is intended to improve local economic vitality, reduce speeding, and make downtown areas more pedestrian-friendly. Residents have been patiently awaiting these changes, which are part of a broader strategy to modernize Indianapolis’s street grid.

4. The Nickel Plate Trail and Pedestrian Bridge Funding

The Indy DPW is utilizing funding for key quality-of-life projects, including the ongoing development of the Nickel Plate Trail. Furthermore, a significant $7 million has been specifically set aside for a new pedestrian bridge. These projects are crucial for enhancing connectivity, promoting alternative transportation, and improving public access to green spaces and trails throughout the city.

Major Shifts: New Trash Vendor and The Recycling Timeline You Need to Know

One of the most significant changes coming from the Indy DPW is in the realm of solid waste management. After years of planning and contract negotiations, the city is implementing a new system that will affect every household's trash and recycling routine.

5. New Trash Vendor LRS Starting in 2026 and Cart Transition

The City of Indianapolis has announced LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems) as the new trash vendor for seven solid waste districts. This transition will officially begin on January 1, 2026. Residents currently serviced by Republic or WM will be part of this change, which includes a transition to new, standardized trash carts. The DPW is actively managing the logistics of this massive cart rollout to ensure a smooth switch for all affected residents. This change is a direct result of the expiration of the city's previous solid-waste contracts.

6. Universal Curbside Recycling Delayed to 2028

While the city initially targeted 2025 for the start of universal curbside recycling, the new contracts confirm a revised timeline. Universal curbside recycling for all Indianapolis residents is now expected to begin sometime in 2028. This long-standing goal of the City of Indianapolis is finally moving forward, though later than originally hoped. The new trash vendor contracts were a necessary step to enable this future city-wide recycling program.

Beyond Asphalt: Indy DPW’s Community-Focused and Creative Initiatives

The Department of Public Works is also heavily invested in programs that empower residents and utilize public spaces for creative and tactical improvements. These initiatives reflect a modern approach to public works that values community input and temporary, low-cost solutions.

7. Community Powered Infrastructure (INIP) and Tactical Urbanism

The Community Powered Infrastructure (INIP) program is a cornerstone of the DPW’s community engagement strategy. This program empowers residents to play an active role in shaping their neighborhoods by allowing them to propose and select infrastructure projects. Director Wilson highlighted that this initiative is vital for ensuring that neighborhood improvements are truly reflective of local needs. In addition, the Indy DPW is accepting applications for its Tactical Urbanism and Art in the Right-of-Way programs. Tactical Urbanism focuses on temporary, quick, and low-cost changes to the built environment—such as temporary street murals or pop-up plazas—to test long-term improvements. The "Art in the Right-of-Way" program integrates public art into streets and sidewalks, adding aesthetic value and unique character to Indianapolis's public spaces. These creative initiatives demonstrate a commitment to making Indianapolis a more livable and visually appealing city. The current wave of projects and service updates from the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works represents a significant forward leap for the city’s infrastructure and quality of life. From the ambitious $95 million road repair budget to the fundamental shift in solid waste management with the new LRS vendor and the 2028 recycling goal, Indy DPW is actively reshaping the urban landscape. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about road closures, the new trash cart transition, and opportunities to participate in the INIP and Tactical Urbanism programs to ensure a smoother experience during this period of intense municipal activity.

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