Columbia Tap Trail crossing at North MacGregor draws renewed safety demands

Neighbors in MacGregor say the Columbia Tap Trail crossing at North MacGregor Way is dangerous for people on foot and on bikes, and even for drivers. They point to darkness on the trail, high vehicle speeds, and a slip lane by the Ardmore bridge that they say worsened conflicts at the crossing.

“I try not to be out here after dark because of the lighting,” said MacGregor resident Alvin Castle. “I’m expecting them to slow down or stop. They disregard the signs. Put some kind of flashing sign up there. So the public would be more aware of, this is a bike trail, and people be crossing.”

Super Neighborhood 83 MacGregor president Tomaro Bell said residents warned the city before work advanced along the corridor.

“We were really concerned about whether the city would follow through with the lighting necessary, with the call stations and all that, and they did not,” Bell said. “When you are here on North McGregor, you see they hit this like this is Indy 500.”

Bell’s priority is straightforward: “I want them to make it safe so somebody like me who don’t use it would be willing to use it, but right now I would not. I don’t even recommend that people use it after dusk. I mean, be careful in the daytime because it’s not safe…. Yes, yes, with safety for all in mind. Not for some, but for all. Safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and car drivers.”

KPRC 2 took those concerns to District D Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the area.

“Well, actually, they are in the making,” Evans-Shabazz said of the upgrades. “As you know, it doesn’t happen overnight, but I personally believe that it’s taken far too long… a $7.5 million HGAC grant… supports a full corridor safety and lighting plan.”

Evans-Shabazz said additional work is planned: “The TURS, of course, is gonna do some enhancements. They’re gonna add security cameras and LED lighting along the trail, entrances, blind spots, and major intersections.”

On accountability for delays: “As council member, I always take accountability, but certainly I can do only so much. We certainly have to have the funding in place, the plans… I believe that it’s taken far too long.”

On schedule: “I’ll have to give you a follow-up on that… when is this going to get done, instead of continuing to have these issues and talking about it?”

Evans-Shabazz said past attempts to install call boxes stalled over who would maintain them but indicated she’s open to revisiting the idea if a responsible department is identified.

What neighbors say they need now

• Flashing beacons or signals at the Columbia Tap crossing on North MacGregor
• Corridor lighting on and around the trail
• Reconfiguration at the Ardmore bridge area to reduce conflict and speed at the slip lane

Residents say they’ll keep pressing until the long-promised upgrades are installed.