Spring Projects Include Multiuse Paths, Neighborhood Greenways, Sidewalk Replacement

Bloomington, Ind. - Numerous infrastructure improvement projects are underway this season to advance community goals, including safety, sustainability, accessibility, equity, economic vitality, and quality of life in Bloomington.  Projects are described at the City’s website, and regular public updates offered on a range of these improvements as they progress.

Sare Road Multiuse Path and Intersection Improvements/College Mall Road Resurfacing 

Improvements at the Sare Road-Moores Pike intersection and a new multiuse path on the west side of Sare Road from approximately Cathcart Street to Buttonwood Lane are ongoing. Road striping was completed this week and the installation of the new traffic signal is in progress. Lane restrictions may be in place during the installation of the traffic signal, which should be completed within the next two weeks. More information is available at https://bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/sarepath.  

Just north of the intersection, a project to mill and repave South College Mall Road from East Moores Pike to East 3rd Street is underway this week with the replacement of curb ramps along South College Mall Road.  As part of this project some curb ramps will be upgraded for ADA compliance and new bike lanes added from East Moores Pike to East Buick Cadillac Boulevard.  Milling and paving of South College Mall Road will begin in mid-April, with lane restrictions in place. More information is available at https://bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/cmr-repave.

East Allen Street Neighborhood Greenway

The neighborhood greenway on East Allen Street between South Henderson and South Walnut is scheduled for improvement starting April 12, with the replacement of the temporary traffic calming structures currently in place with permanent ones. Neighborhood Greenways are low-speed, low-volume, shared-space streets that create high-comfort walking and bicycling connections.  Streets designated as Neighborhood Greenways are indicated in the Transportation Plan (see the map on page 41). In order to create a connected network, the City is prioritizing the design and installation of Neighborhood Greenways recommended in the Priority Bicycle Facilities Network. For 2021, several Neighborhood Greenways are in the works.

Jackson Creek Trail Phase II

Tree clearing and utility work will continue throughout this week in preparation for this summer’s construction of phase two of the Jackson Creek Trail.  This project will install a new multiuse path along South High Street connecting Southeast Park to the path network at East Rogers Road.  Additionally, the project will install a new trail from Southern Oaks Park to South Sare Road.  More information is available at https://bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/jackson-trail 

Lower Cascades Streambank Stabilization and Trail Extension Project

The bicycle- and pedestrian-only trail through Lower Cascades Park has re-opened to non-motorized vehicles after the completion of tree removal related to an upcoming streambank stabilization and trail extension project scheduled to begin in May.  Since March 2020, this 0.6-mile segment of the road between the playground and the IMI quarry entrance has been closed to motorized vehicles as a pilot road conversion project. City staff are currently reviewing bids for the project to stabilize the streambank to reduce erosion, provide easier access to the creek for recreational purposes, construct an accessible boardwalk to the Cascades waterfall, and extend the Cascades Park Trail north through the park. More information about the pilot road conversion and opportunities to provide feedback about the project are available at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/lower-cascades-road. 

Recover Forward Sidewalk Replacement Project

Sidewalk replacement is currently progressing along West Sixth Street as part of Mayor Hamilton’s Recover Forward initiative, which includes a $250,000 package of sidewalk replacement projects in low- and moderate-income areas to improve ADA curb ramps, bike lane and bike path pavement, and driveway and alley entrances, and repair sidewalk damage caused by street trees to improve overall walkability in the areas that see high volumes of pedestrian traffic.

Currently, repair and replacement is proceeding as scheduled on the south side of West Sixth Street from North Fairview to North Elm Street. Improvements at this location will encompass 2374 feet of sidewalk on both sides of the street, including 12 ADA ramps, eight driveway entrances, and six alleyway entrances.  A 327-foot section of sidewalk along the east side of Elm Street from West Fourth Street to West Kirkwood Avenue is also slated for improvement, which will include two ADA ramps and two driveway entrances.  Selection of both sites was based on data from the 2018 Pavement Condition Report of the city’s 234 miles of street network as well as data collected via staff site visits.

West 14th Street Sidewalk Project

Construction is currently underway to install a sidewalk along the north side of West 14th Street between North Madison Street and North Woodburn Avenue, providing pedestrian connectivity between College Ave and Madison St.  Prioritized by the City Council Sidewalk Committee, the project is being funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in addition to City funds. Currently 14th St is open to two-way traffic.  Some on-street parking in the project vicinity is being impacted by construction activity.  More information is available at https://bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/14th-sidwalk.

Hidden River Pathway Project

The Hidden River Pathway Project is progressing with the replacement of the network of culverts that carry the Campus River (formerly the Jordan River) from Dunn Meadow on the Indiana University campus southwest under downtown Bloomington to 1st Street and College Avenue, where it reappears as Clear Creek. 

This week, crews are pouring the remaining section of tunnel top on South Washington Street between Smith Avenue and East Second Street, beginning the installation of water main on South Lincoln Avenue, and installing conduit ducts and setting a large siphon structure at Smith and Lincoln, which has necessitated the closure of the intersection until Wednesday, April 7.  The eastern side of Lincoln remains closed, while traffic continues to flow on the western side of the street.  Washington Street is closed to through traffic in the middle of the block between Smith and Second, with a detour in place for thru traffic.  Accessibility has been maintained to residences and businesses in the vicinity.  

On weekday afternoons, especially between 3 and 4 p.m., motorists are asked to avoid using South Washington Street between East Third Street and Smith Avenue.  As school dismissal and pickup from The Project School can create traffic congestion during this time, motorists are asked to find an alternate route.

Over the next two years, City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) and its contractor, Milestone Contractors, LLP will be reconstructing 1,829 feet of culverts. In addition to stormwater improvements, some reconstruction of sanitary sewers and water main infrastructure will be simultaneously completed to support Bloomington’s vibrant downtown.  More information, maps, and updates about the Hidden River Pathway Project are available at www.bloomington.in.gov/utilities/hidden-river.

When encountering these improvement projects or others, motorists are asked to travel slowly, cautiously, and distraction-free through every construction zone for the safety of the workers, pedestrians, and other motorists.