The reconstruction of Indiana Avenue, from Marr Road to State Street on Columbus’ east side, is now complete.

To mark the occasion, Mayor Kristen Brown has announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark what she calls “the city’s first substantial infrastructure improvement to the east side of Columbus since East Columbus was annexed nearly sixty years ago.” The ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at Indiana Avenue and Brooks Street. You are encouraged to attend.

Mayor Brown says that $6.2 million project includes eleven-foot driving lanes, a new storm sewer system, curbs and gutters, five-foot sidewalks and bicycle lanes, as well as seven-foot-wide parking lanes on both sides of the street.

“We greatly appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation of the public, particularly the residents on Indiana Avenue, during the two year construction period,” said the Mayor. “This long-overdue improvement project has had a transformational effect on the area and it makes Indiana Avenue, a main artery serving Columbus East High School, significantly safer for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and residents who live in the neighborhood.”

Mayor Brown added that the work in this area is not quite complete. She says that crews will return in the spring to place thermoplastic pavement markings, ninety trees, about 2,500 plants and seeding.