The Zionsville Town Council Nov. 3 approved a resolution expressing the town’s intent to pursue infrastructure improvements for the South Village / Gateway area (Sycamore, First and Main streets) and to pursue state “Ready2” funding for the project. The action followed a detailed A&F Engineering presentation of seven scenario alternatives and extensive public comment focused on pedestrian safety, downtown sightlines and local business access.

What the engineers presented: A&F Engineering presented seven concept scenarios ranging from signalized improvements to several roundabout/dogbone configurations and a two‑one way split that preserves the visual corridor into Main Street. Engineers ran baseline (2025) and projected (2035) traffic volumes, produced level‑of‑service measures (A–F), and modeled queue lengths. The firm said a scenario that splits northbound and southbound movements (scenario 7) preserved Main Street sightlines and produced shorter queues in the 2035 modeling compared with other alternatives.

Public concerns and pedestrian mitigation: Dozens of residents and village business owners testified about parking impacts, vehicular rerouting into residential streets, pedestrian safety at multi‑leg roundabouts, and the conceptual nature of the proposed design. Councilors and staff discussed pedestrian features under consideration — marked / raised crosswalks, Rapid‑Flash Beacons (RRFBs), HAWK beacons, refuge islands and curb‑side treatments — and directed engineers to fold pedestrian safety into subsequent design stages. Engineers said pedestrian crossings and timing/controls (including audible signals for visually impaired users) will be incorporated and refined in detailed design.

Funding and property acquisition: The council approved Resolution 20‑25‑15 expressing intent to pursue the selected concept and the Ready2 grant funding package, with the stated project concept shown in the meeting packet. The council also approved Resolution 20‑25‑16 to express interest in acquiring privately held parcels for right‑of‑way if needed for the design. The packet and staff presentation noted a potential $4,000,000 Ready2 funding allocation tied to the project; the grant is reimbursable and requires municipal commitment and a timetable. The council’s approval is a concept approval and directs staff to continue detailed design, negotiate property agreements and return finalized commitments for recording prior to construction.

Council direction and next steps: Councilors emphasized balancing traffic throughput with walkability and aesthetics. Staff and engineers said final engineering, right‑of‑way acquisition and detailed pedestrian design will return to council. Town staff noted deadlines from the grantor to secure commitments; if the town defers beyond the available window the Ready2 funds could be reallocated. The council voted to approve the resolution (transcript records motion as passing: 6 in favor, 1 opposed).*