State of the City 2010 - SR 45/46 Bypass
SR 45/46 Bypass
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A bypass is exactly what I feel like I'm going through every time this issue comes up.
One significant fact somewhat lost in the discussion of the Bypass is that the project was going to happen. The question wasn't whether it would happen -- it was how.
Despite having very little bargaining power, I felt it was important for the community to have something more than a road that simply goes through the city.
Even with all the news coverage, I don't believe the public fully understands the extent of the Bypass expansion.
It will be 7 lanes wide in places.
Pavement width will increase from 48' to up to 100' at some intersections.
Upwards of 500 trees will be removed.
It will be massive.
You should know that bidding is now slated for May 12.
There have been extensive negotiations between INDOT and multiple City departments in recent weeks.
As a result, we've nearly finalized a formal agreement to install pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations you won't find at many other state roads in Indiana, if any.
If all goes according to plan, modifications to the Bypass project will fall under three categories:
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations along the Bypass,
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Accommodations, and
• Aesthetic Improvements
--> Conventionally, INDOT road-widening projects do not include dedicated bicycle facilities.
Under our agreement, the Bypass project will contain a continuous sidepath around both sides of the roadway, extending all the way from the North Walnut Street intersection to the East 3rd Street intersection.
The sidepath loop will be 6' wide and be separated from the roadway by both a barrier curb and 2' of additional hard surface area that will be differentiated in color from the asphalt sidepaths.
Previous design plans for the bypass did not include a bicycle sidepath and had a large gap in the sidewalk between
North Dunn and 14th Streets.
This would have eliminated off-roadway bicycle riding options on the north side of the Bypass as well as a continuous walking loop for pedestrians.
That's been remedied.
--> At one point in the design process, a pedestrian overpass at 10th Street was included, but INDOT rejected inclusion of that overpass in the final design at the request of IU.
That's the reason the City worked to provide alternative facilities to allow bicycle and pedestrian cross-traffic between E. 3rd Street and E. 10th Street.
The project will include a bike-ped underpass near 7th. This will allow bicyclists and pedestrians to have an unobstructed crossing linking campus with eastside commercial and apartment areas between East 3rd and East 10th.
When it comes to the two largest intersections, I'm afraid it's a case of something is better than nothing --
For people wishing to cross at East 3rd and East 10th, INDOT has agreed to City requests for the following accommodations:
§ Highly visible "piano key" style pedestrian crosswalks for all approaches;
§ A pedestrian refuge island at each intersection, and
§ Pedestrian-activated push button signals.
--> Aesthetically, after discussions with both the City and IU, INDOT has agreed to incorporate a landscaped median between the travel lanes of the Bypass project rather than having a swath of pavement.
The final INDOT designs do not address all of the City's requested bicycle and pedestrian safety accommodations, but we are clearly the better for taking the time to work with INDOT to improve the plans.
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