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INDOT updates commission on barricades and pilot retractable bollards for downtown safety
Summary
INDOT briefed the Traffic & Parking Commission on available perimeter barriers, mobile 'meridian' barricades and a planned pilot of retractable shallow-mount bollards east of Fifth Avenue on Bridal/Broadway, citing stopping specifications and a target deployment timeline in late 2025–2026.
INDOT staff briefed the Traffic & Parking Commission on current barricade and bollard capabilities, inventory and a planned pilot of retractable bollards on Bridal/Broadway east of Fifth Avenue.
Scott Kimby of INDOT described several options. He said the department has movable "meridian" snare-type barricades that lift a vehicle axle if driven over and that MNPD has begun incorporating the devices into traffic-control plans for major events. Kimby said the department currently has 40 meridian barricades in its yards and also uses salt trucks to supplement protection on large event nights.
Kimby described a pilot design for "raptor" retractable shallow-mount bollards that INDOT is pursuing for Bridal/Broadway east of Fifth Avenue. He said the retractable bollards were "designed to stop 60,000 pounds traveling at 50 miles per hour," can be operated lane-by-lane, and will be operable locally or remotely. INDOT is in the design phase and is targeting installation during winter 2025–2026, subject to procurement, design and pilot evaluation.
Commissioners asked practical questions about installation, drainage and maintenance. Kimby said the product selected includes drainage features and rubber boots to limit water intrusion, and INDOT is working on a local maintenance plan. Commissioners and other speakers discussed potential funding approaches: Kimby said the pilot is currently proposed to use capital funding but said future deployment financing could include the downtown partnership or other sources.
Participants also discussed broader use cases, including temporary street closures for events, neighborhood closures and the difficulty some neighborhoods and merchants face paying for repeated street closures. Kimby said fixed sidewalk bollards would remain in place to stop a vehicle from mounting the curb, while the retractable units would be used to close a street to vehicular traffic for events.
No final procurement contract was approved at the meeting; INDOT said it would assess pilot results and return to the commission after evaluation.
