High St (Arden to Hunter) Multiuse Path and Intersection Improvements

Page last updated on February 25, 2026 at 8:19 am

This project began with a conceptual scoping exercise and public input (details below). Project scope includes construction of a multiuse path on the east side of High Street from Arden Drive to Hunter Avenue, modernization of the two existing traffic signals within the project limits, and installation of stormwater infrastructure. The project is included in the City's Transportation Plan and the Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The project has been prioritized by the MPO for federal funding. The project has also been prioritized for funding in the 2022 public works general obligation bond ordinance which was approved by City Council.

The engineering design consultant for this project is Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc.

The construction engineering consultant for this project is HNTB Indiana, Inc.

Project Timeline:

Design: begin early 2023
Public Input: begin spring 2023
ROW Acquisition: begin fall 2024. Right of way acquisitions are nearing completion, but this phase is still underway.
Construction:
- Tree removals are scheduled to take place in March 2026, with some work continuing into April 2026. Tree removal will not occur on any parcels that have not yet finalized right of way acquisition. Most tree removals must take place in advance of utility relocations, but trees in areas without utility relocations will be left in place until next winter. Tree removal work may necessitate street lane closures, but access will be maintained to all properties. Tree protection fencing installed in advance of tree removals will stay in place throughout utility relocations and may be adjusted prior to project construction. New tree plantings will occur towards the end of project construction.
- Utility relocations are expected to take place between April and December 2026. The most visible relocation will be the CenterPoint Energy gas line relocation. That relocation is necessary in order to construct the stormwater infrastructure included in the project.
- Project construction is expected to primarily occur during 2027, though some work may begin in late 2026. Additional information regarding project phasing and scheduling will be provided after construction bidding.

Tree Clearing Quote Information:

The letting date for this project is on February 23rd, 2026 at noon. Awarding tentatively will be announced at the Board of Public Works session on February 24th, 2026 at 5:30pm. To view all bidding documents, please go through OpenGov. https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bloomingtonin/projects/235028
Quotes
Monroe LLC    $39,550.00 Awarded 02-24-2026
J R Ellington Tree Experts    $53,445.00
Bluestone Tree    $61,038.21

Public Input:

Initial Public Meeting Details: (THIS MEETING HAS ALREADY OCCURRED)

DATE: April 20th, 2023
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
LOCATION: Christ Community Church, 503 S High Street
DESCRIPTION:
- This public meeting provided high level details about the project and gathered input regarding design options.
- The project is expected to construct a multiuse path on High Street from Arden Drive to 3rd Street. The City is evaluating both the west and east sides of the street as potential alignments, but only one path will be constructed with this project. Factors such as topography, utilities, property impacts, cost, and transportation efficiency will be considered in that evaluation (please let us know if there are specific factors you think should be considered in this decision!). The project would also replace and improve the aging traffic signal equipment at the three signalized intersections within the project limits. A potential option for the realignment of the intersection of High Street at 3rd Street was shown. Due to upcoming studies regarding public transit operations on 3rd Street as well as a corridor study for the Atwater Avenue and 3rd Street corridors, it is likely that this project will be split into two phases to ensure that all information is available before making impactful decisions near those intersections. The area including and south of Hunter Avenue would proceed as a federally funded project on its current timeline (construction expected in 2026), and the area north of Hunter Avenue may be a separate project phase with a timeline dependent on the referenced studies. Attached below are two graphics showing conceptual draft project alignments for the entire corridor.
- The online comment form for this meeting has closed.
- Please see below for the attached document "High St project update 2023-06-07" which provides summary information regarding decisions and feedback. This document focuses on the most frequent comments received as well as comments directly related to initial project scope decisions.

Second Public Meeting Details: (THIS MEETING HAS ALREADY OCCURRED)

DATE: April 2nd, 2024
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
LOCATION: Christ Community Church, 503 S High Street
DESCRIPTION: This public meeting will provide detailed information about the project and gather input regarding design.
- The online comment form for this meeting has closed.
- Updated design graphics are attached below.