When IndyGo, the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana, added a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line through busy downtown Indianapolis, it involved more than just building stations at the side of the road. It also involved widening and resurfacing a long section of Washington Street, ensuring ADA ramp compliance along the way, and conducting an overhaul and update of the large underground drainage system beneath it.
Because most of the drainage system sits under the roadway, which has a standard vehicle live load rating of HS-20, the project team specified County Material’s Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP). Built for contractors and developers who need proven performance, efficient installation, and long-term reliability across critical infrastructure projects, RCP withstands heavy loads, internal pressures, and demanding site conditions.
Designed to meet ASTM and AASHTO standards, RCP is a trusted, economical choice with a long record of strength and performance. Its rigid structure resists deformation, flotation, and corrosion, supporting long-term durability with a service life up to 100 years, making it the ideal choice for the Washington Street drainage system. The project team also specified various other durable precast concrete components from County Materials, including manholes, manhole bases and lids, junction boxes, and traffic barriers.
In addition to weight restrictions, the project had other challenges that County Materials helped to overcome. Constant design changes and occasional aggressive scheduling demands were alleviated by weekly update meetings held at the general contractor’s office. In addition to helping maintain communication and keep the project on schedule, these meetings allowed the County Materials team to provide information about the capabilities of precast concrete and recommendations on the drainage system’s design.
View photos of durable RCP and other precast concrete drainage components being installed along Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis: IndyGo Blue Project Feature Gallery