Resolved.

Dear Mr. Burleson, I understand and share your concern and frustration about the street closures and infrastructure projects that are occurring on the south and west sides of Bloomington. Those projects led by the City of Bloomington are grant-funded, to be completed in a specific timeframe. When the City sought out funding for these infrastructure projects, we did so under the assumption that INDOT’s I-69 construction would be completed by now. Unfortunately, INDOT is two years behind schedule with I-69. As a result, numerous infrastructure projects are now underway in the south side of Bloomington simultaneously with the ongoing I-69 construction. I am currently in discussions with the Commissioner and others from INDOT to ensure they recognize the scope of the problem we are facing here, and I am asking them to be accountable for the disruptions like those you experience every day. I have asked them to address this problem in a timely manner. In the meantime, I apologize for the inconvenience this project has caused. For local projects under our control, I am working with each city department involved as well as the county to make sure these projects are scheduled to minimize interruption and delay for folks as they they make their way around town. And while patience certainly will be required over the next several months there are things we, and you, can do. We are accelerating projects where that makes sense, delaying as appropriate, and working on traffic flow control. Drivers can help themselves by using the WAZE app on their mobile devices to see real time traffic disruptions, use different routes and avoid the rush hours for travel. It is important to keep in mind that these projects directly address public safety. Those projects related to our sewer/wastewater infrastructure will address sanitary sewer overflows. At least one bridge being rebuilt was a danger. Other projects include improvements (sight lines, road quality, flow improvements) that will make travel safer for all motorists. We are experiencing a short-term pain for a long-term gain. Sincerely, John Hamilton Mayor, City of Bloomington

MC, as we get these, I'd like to have you be the point of contact to respond. I think you should use our current releases about roadwork to put together a common answer. Please coordinate with Adam and any other staff you think might be getting these concerns so we have a common answer. Thanks,