Let's face it, Indianapolis is a city in love with construction and roundabouts. The rhythmic pounding of jackhammers and the melodic screech of brakes are practically our city anthem (when it's not demonstrations, violence, or gentrification on the north side). Sure, some days it's easy to thrive and get by, but on others it's like a tone-deaf wrecking ball banging in my ear. Hearing honks from cars merging into lanes they shouldn't be in and truckers just trying to do their job – hey, progress, right?

The problem is, that progress often comes at a cost – aside from who's lives are uprooted due to construction (which is a bigger topic than this blog can handle) – our sanity and precious minutes shaved off our commutes away from our families and our lives. I know for a fact there aren't enough "Armchair Expert" or "Flightless Bird" podcasts released in a week to take that pressure off. Last week, for instance, a trip that usually takes 20 minutes ballooned into a 2-hour trek thanks to a multitude of orange cones and strategically placed police cars on a Friday evening. It's enough to make you wonder if the past decade has been one giant construction mess project in Indy with no end in sight.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love this city with most of my heart (the part that's still not in Tokyo on a proper public transit excursion). This isn't a rant at all, nor should it be read as such. It's just a concerned citizen venting a little frustration (this is still a blog, so I feel like it's fair game). Because beneath the annoyance lies a truth we can't ignore: while Indianapolis is constantly striving to be better, it's crushing our city pride with our daily commutes. These detours, these temporary inconveniences, are the growing pains of a city promising to build a brighter future while forgetting about its general population.

But here's the thing: wouldn't that future be even brighter if Indy could navigate the growing pains a little smoother? I want to pitch this to the civil engineers, politicians, developers, and maybe even artists at this time (everyone else is off the hook). Imagine our streets where information is our compass. A city-wide idea, app, or process that not only tells us about construction detours in advance before leaving the office, but offers real-time updates on construction projects, estimated completion times, and even suggests alternate routes tailored to our needs. Saving us time to get to loved ones, and what really matters.

Progress is wonderful, and information/data is great, but let's not forget the human element in all this. I feel Indianapolis is maybe not considering how taxing our commutes have become day in and day out over the last few years. As those who live in Indy, we crave more than just better roads and longer commutes; we crave connection, even amidst the chaos, with those who make these decisions on our behalf.

So I ask, why not transform those long wait times on I-465, those boring blank canvases of frustration, into canvases of creativity? Wait, what?! Yes, why not embrace the community of local artists and contract them for vibrant painted murals reflecting the city's spirit. Imagine a playful scene of an Indy alumnus, a visual reminder of the smooth-sailing human progress that may brighten and inspire our commute that awaits us on the other side of our 9-to-5. And hey, a little immediate solace wouldn't hurt either.

What about "Cone Zone Specials" offered by local businesses caught in the construction crossfire? A happy hour with a warm cup of coffee, a delicious pastry, a friendly chat with a fellow traveler – a small glimmer of Hoosier pride and normalcy in the urban jungle through an Indy app, program, or anything that can connect us with one another in the 317.

Why not celebrate the day of progress instead of counting down the days until construction ends! Not just with ribbon-cutting ceremonies (although those are fun too!...maybe), but with community events showcasing the completed project and interactive exhibits that educate residents about the construction process. Throw in some local artist performances, and you have a celebration that's a testament to the resilience of our city and its people (and not to mention a thank you for all the time lost for Indy to be whatever it is trying to do).

Indianapolis is a city under construction, a city constantly evolving. Let's navigate this obstacle course with a touch of humor, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of information. Because on the other side of the orange cones awaits a brighter future, and maybe, just maybe, a commute that doesn't make us yell ****!