IndyGo Blue

Solution: Installing a new bus rapid transit, or BRT, line through downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, involved more than building a series of new stations along the route. It involved widening and resurfacing a long section of main road, ensuring ADA ramp compliance, and overhauling and updating the large underground drainage system beneath it. For the underground drainage system, project planners chose reinforced concrete pipe and other durable County Materials’ drainage components.

Overhauling a Downtown Drainage System for Strength and Long-Term Durability

IndyGo, the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana, added a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line – the Blue Line – through busy downtown Indianapolis. A major requirement of the project involved overhauling and updating the large underground drainage system that largely runs beneath the streets along the route.

Because the roadway has a standard vehicle live load rating of HS-20, the project team specified County Material’s Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP), which is proven to withstand heavy loads, internal pressures, and demanding site conditions. Its rigid structure resists deformation, flotation, and corrosion, supporting long-term durability with a service life up to 100 years. Designed to meet ASTM and AASHTO standards, RCP is a trusted, economical choice with a long record of strength and performance.

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. Manufactured under the same strict standards for strength, durability, and long life, the drainage components are engineered to be seamlessly compatible with RCP.

Constant design changes and occasional aggressive scheduling demands were easily handled during 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 and recommendations.

Project Highlights

One of County Materials' largest projects in the state of Indiana to date, the IndyGo Blue BRT line project represents a two-year construction commitment. Throughout, County Materials kept up with scheduling and delivered quality RCP, precast concrete storm, and sanitary drainage components on time at each stage of the project.