Installation of Additional Barriers on East 3rd Street Bicycle Lane Begins Week of May 12

The City of Bloomington will install additional traffic barriers along East 3rd Street this week to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and other roadway users. Installation is scheduled to begin Monday, May 12 and is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

The new barriers will be placed in the painted buffer between the bicycle and vehicle traffic lanes along East 3rd Street, from South Indiana Avenue to South Rose Avenue. Construction will involve lane restrictions and flagging operations, and all roadway users are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the area.

This project supports the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and functionality of the 3rd Street corridor. The protected bicycle lane is designed for cyclists only, but vehicles using the space as a drop-off or pick-up zone have created safety issues for cyclists, pedestrians, and buses. Barriers installed in 2024 have proven effective in discouraging this behavior.

Barriers will not be installed at bus stops, intersections with turning movements, or driveways. The City will continue to monitor the corridor and make adjustments as needed.

To ensure safe and legal drop-off and pick-up, drivers are reminded to use posted loading zones, side streets, permitted locations on Indiana University property, or other designated areas.