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Page last updated on September 15, 2022 at 5:38 pm

For more information, please contact

Andrew Krebbs, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor

andrew.krebbs@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3406

 

 

 

Speed Limit Changes on Rogers; Cascades Park is Celebrated; and Sidewalk Crews Continue to Increase Accessibility

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. The City will provide regular public updates on a range of these improvements as they progress. City departments coordinate with one another, as well as with private developers, to minimize the impact on Bloomington residents and visitors. 

 

 

PARKS & RECREATION

 

Switchyard Park Dedication Ceremony

Parks and Recreation staff, Mayor John Hamilton, and special guests will officially dedicate Switchyard Park, and unveil a new dedication element, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bosque at Switchyard Park (just east of the Switchyard Park Pavillion). The public is invited and welcome to attend. 

Drone photo of Switchyard Park from playground

 

Celebrate Lower Cascades Park

"Celebrate Lower Cascades Park" takes place from 1-4 p.m. on September 18. This special event celebrates Lower Cascades Park, its history as Bloomington's first city park, and the completion of the streambank stabilization and trail project that improves the park's accessibility for all visitors. Activities include rubber duck floats down Cascade Creek, guided walks to the park's signature waterfall, free caricatures, live music, and playground and yard games. Guest speakers will begin at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, and all are invited and welcome to attend.

Drone shot of Lower Cascades Park

 

Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park

Contractors are on site this week to remove damaged masonry from the stage at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park. The stage was closed in late 2021 when cracks developed in the support columns. Masonry repairs and restoration will begin after damaged sections of the columns are removed. The stage will re-open upon completion of the repairs.

Masonry work in progress at Waldron Park stage.


 

UTILITIES

 

Hidden River Pathway Project

The two-year downtown stormwater infrastructure reconstruction project to address flooding during rain events continues. Contractor Milestone is completing the new culvert under Grant St between Kirkwood and 4th and into the alley south of Grant. Grant continues to be closed from 4th to Kirkwood. The alley on the east side of Grant, between Trinity Church and Longfei Restaurant, will remain closed.

The City will continue to coordinate with other construction and road projects as they reconstruct 1,829 feet of culverts to protect downtown area residential and commercial buildings. This project is on track to be finished by the February 2023 deadline. For more information about the project visit: bloomington.in.gov/utilities/hidden-river.

Businesses on 4th and Grant are still open as this project continues around them. They welcome customers and taking the time to visit them may afford residents an opportunity to see what’s happening with this project. Businesses in the impacted area include The Venue, Siam House, Little Tibet, Burma Garden, Korea Restaurant, Oak, My Thai, DO Asian Fusion, Dat's, B-Town Gyros, Healthy Hoosiers, Bali Cafe, Storm Real Estate, Longfei, Parlor Donuts, Soma Coffeehouse, and Taste of India.

 

 

PUBLIC WORKS

 

The Street Division paving crew started resurfacing on W 12th Street from Monroe to Lindbergh. This project is scheduled to be completed during the week of September 19th. After the completion of W 12th Street, the Division will start street milling on N Summit Street from 12th to 13th. The sidewalk crew continues to install ADA-compliant ramps on Mill Stone Drive and Mill Stone Court ahead of the paving crew.

Public Works crews excavating ground for new ADA curb ramp.

 

ENGINEERING

 

Speed Limit Change

City Council recently approved speed limit changes on Rogers Street (Patterson Drive to 11th Street), Madison Street (11th Street to 17th Street), Henderson Street (1st Street to Atwater Avenue), and Indiana Avenue (Atwater Avenue to 17th Street) consistent with a recommendation by the City’s Traffic Commission. Based on an evaluation of the existing characteristics, context, and adjacent land use of these streets, the posted speed limits will be updated from 30mph to 25mph. Department of Public Works staff will replace speed limit signs in the coming weeks.

 

Hopewell Phase 1 East

The landscape of the site has changed significantly this week.  Foundation removal is being completed on the demolished structures. Material haul off for disposal and recycling will continue for the next few weeks. The next building scheduled for demolition is 635 Rogers Street.

The Hopewell Phase 1 East project site is bounded by 2nd Street to the north, 1st Street to the south, B-Line to the east, and Rogers Street to the west. Additional information about the project and the contractor can be found at the following links: https://bton.in/mRp~I, hopewellbloomington.org & renascentinc.com

Demolition work at the Hopewell Phase 1 East

 

IU Poplars Building Demolition 

Due to the current demolition phase of the Indiana University Poplars Building on 7th Street, west of campus, N Grant Street will be closed between E 6th and E 7th from September 6th to September 20th. The sidewalks adjacent to the building will also be closed during each of these closures. Closures will be 24 hours a day.

Demolition of Poplars Building
 

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