Temporary Closure of E. 7th Street Bike Lane for Poplars Redevelopment Construction

At the regular meeting on Feb. 10, the Board of Public Works approved a request from FA Wilhelm Construction to temporarily close the protected bike lanes on East 7th Street between North Grant Street and North Dunn Street. This closure will be in place from Feb. 17 through Nov. 21, 2025, to accommodate construction on the redevelopment of the former Indiana University Poplars Building site. Pedestrian and cyclist detours will be in place to help maintain accessibility. 

To facilitate the safe operation of a crane and other construction equipment at 400 E. 7th Street, the sidewalk on the south side of 7th Street immediately adjacent to the project will also remain closed, with pedestrians directed to the sidewalk on the north side of 7th Street. Additionally, the alley on the south side of the site will be closed for the duration of the project.

City staff, after careful consideration of all alternatives, recommended this option to the Board. Staff evaluated multiple staging locations for the crane, including North Grant Street, North Dunn Street, and the nearby Indiana University parking garage and determined these options presented more significant logistical challenges. Other factors contributing to this recommendation included the safety of all roadway users, the heavy use of East 7th Street as a transit corridor, the impacts of the possible vehicle traffic detour routes, and the upcoming closure of East Kirkwood Avenue.

“We understand that any closure, especially one affecting a key corridor like 7th Street, will create challenges for residents, cyclists, and commuters,” says Andrew Cibor, Director of the City’s Engineering Department. “After careful consideration and discussions with Bloomington Transit, Transportation Planning, and FA Wilhelm staff, closing the bike lane emerged as the option with the least overall impact, despite our efforts to explore alternatives that would keep it intact.”

Material deliveries for the project will occur at designated construction entrances on N. Grant St. and N. Dunn St.; street parking on those streets is not currently anticipated to be impacted. The sidewalks adjacent to the construction site on N. Grant St. and N. Dunn St will remain open at this time. 

City staff will monitor conditions throughout the closure period to ensure safety measures remain effective. Adjustments to the maintenance of traffic setup will be made as needed throughout construction. For updates on City roadwork and closures, visit bloomington.in.gov/inroads.

For more information on this closure, contact engineering@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3913.