The new bridge over the White River being constructed as part of Indy DPW’s White River Innovation District Project, also referred to as the Henry Street Bridge, will be designated as the Greenlawn Memorial Bridge.
The name was selected by the Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project to honor the city’s earliest settlers who were buried in Indianapolis’s first public cemetery. The Board of Public Works approved the recommendation at this afternoon’s board meeting.
Read the Greenlawn Bridge Naming Proposal
“Members of Indy DPW have met regularly with the Community Advisory Group about this project for more than three years now,” said Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson. “This name choice represents the City’s commitment to honoring our shared history as we mark the beginning of a more connected Indianapolis.”
On the east side of the White River, the White River Innovation District project impacts 1.359 acres of the former Greenlawn Cemetery, which encompasses four cemeteries: the Original Burying Ground, the New Burying Ground, the North Burying Ground and Greenlawn Cemetery. The original four acres of Greenlawn were designated as a cemetery in 1821 and the City banned burials after 1890 when it is believed to have grown to more than 25 acres. The cemetery was abandoned and several developments were constructed over it, including a baseball stadium and rail freight terminal.
“I want to thank the members of the community for driving this change,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The name they’ve chosen honors those who came before us and provides a dignified remembrance of those who formed Indianapolis in its earliest years.”
While some individuals were moved to Crown Hill Cemetery before this development took place, many graves remained at the Greenlawn site. Between November 2024 and October 2025, Indy DPW’s archaeology consultant Stantec excavated 1,709 grave shafts within the City’s right of way before beginning construction on the Greenlawn Memorial Bridge. The plans to reinter those individuals are in development.
“The Greenlawn Memorial Bridge – as well as the archival research work the CAG is doing – bridges our past to the future,” said Pan-Africanist Scholar and CAG member Leon Bates. “While many of Indianapolis’ most prominent early residents previously buried here were relocated many years ago, we remain determined to uncover the stories of Indianapolis’ least prominent early citizens. This naming acknowledges the connection to our city’s pioneers, including the presence and contributions of many early African American residents.”
The White River Innovation District Project includes the bridge and the approaches on both sides of the White River. The new section of roadway connecting the bridge to Harding Street has been named Innovator Way since it opened last fall, as will the section connecting the bridge to Kentucky Avenue to the east. Innovator Way was selected during the development of the White River Innovation District project as part of an agreement between the City of Indianapolis, Elanco and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
While construction is ongoing, the bridge – including the extension of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail – is expected to open in early 2027.
To learn more about Indy DPW construction projects, visit indy.gov/DPWprojects.