Trail Tunnel to be Built in Westfield

(WESTFIELD) – The City of Westfield is expediting plans to build a tunnel at the 161st Street crossing of the Monon trail after a woman was hit by an SUV at the intersection earlier this month.

City leaders say the number of people using the trail is going up and traffic is increasing along 161st Street.

Stephanie Woods, 32, was running on July 11 and got hit where the trail crosses the road. Woods suffered non-life threatening injuries.

“We do everything in our power and our part as the city and local government to have those safety features and those safety messages,” Westfield Chief of Staff, Todd Burtron said. “But ultimately, it’s up to us as individuals, as users of the road and the trail system to give that respect and look out for one another.”

When U.S. 31 was constructed, concrete was poured on piles, which will serve as a bridge for 161st Street above the tunnel. That means 161st will stay open during construction.

The city says they’ve heard many complaints over the years about the crossing, mainly due to the line of sight and change in the grade of the road.

Construction is expected to cost more than $5 million.

They would also like 161st Street to become four lanes with a grassy median.