The City of Bloomington is in the midst of multiple construction projects aimed to better the community and improve the quality of life for residents, including bus stop and sidewalk improvements, Campus River upgrades and a new playground.
Bus stop construction
As part of Mayor John Hamilton’s Recover Forward initiative, over 25 bus stops will have improvements made by the end of July, according to a City of Bloomington press release. The stop at the intersection of West Graham Drive and South Rockport Road at Country View Apartments will be the first to see new upgrades.
The improvements include creating better sidewalk access and loading zones and adding or improving benches and shelters.
During construction, some sidewalks will be closed off with pedestrian detours and walk-arounds in place. Some streets may be reduced to one lane of traffic.
A full list of to be improved bus stops is available here.
Sidewalks replacements
The city is currently conducting two sidewalk improvements at the intersection of East Third Street and South Indiana Avenue and along the eastern side of South Maxwell Street from East Miller Drive to East Short Street.
The intersection of East Third Street and South Indiana Avenue will have new sidewalk and ADA ramps to improve pedestrian amenities. The traffic signal will also be replaced and will be operational by early July.
The intersection is operating as an all-way stop while construction is ongoing. The project will be mostly complete by mid-August.
A sidewalk will be constructed along the eastern side of South Maxwell Street to improve pedestrian safety. This project is to be completed by the end of July.
City playgrounds
New playground equipment will be installed at Reverend Ernest D. Butler Park, located at 812 W. Ninth St., according to the release.
The playground is to have a new climber/spinner feature, benches and concrete curbing around the perimeter. An existing swing set will be repainted.
The project’s timeline has been extended due to the discovery of limestone bedrock underneath the playground. An excavation will take place in order to install new playground support posts.
A reopening event will take place upon completion.
The city is also allowing community members to leave feedback and suggestions online for a new playground at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park, located at 331 S. Washington St. This project will be installed in late 2021.
Campus River upgrades
As part of the Hidden River Pathway Project, the city continues to replace the Campus River’s culverts, a structure allowing water to flow under a road or other similar pathway. This covers the area from Dunn Meadow traveling toward downtown to West First Street and South College Avenue, according to the release.
City of Bloomington Utilities is working with its contractor Milestone Contractors, LLP to reconstruct 1,829 feet of culverts over the next two years. There will also be reconstruction of sanitary sewers and water main infrastructure.
East Smith Avenue is temporarily closed between South Lincoln Street and South Washington Street and is scheduled to reopen by the end of June.
