Griffy Loop Trail Dam Crossing Will Be Constructed; Public Meeting for E Allen Greenway Connector is Scheduled; and Hopewell Phase 1 East Infrastructure Project Funding is Approved

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.

PARKS & RECREATION

Griffy Loop Trail Dam Crossing-

Scenic Construction Services was awarded a contract in March to construct a new trail crossing along the Griffy Lake dam. The dam crossing is part of the Griffy Loop Trail project that was initiated in 2022 with the construction of an accessible sidepath and fishing areas along Headley Road near the Griffy Lake boathouse. Funding for the dam crossing, not to exceed $344,700, is provided through the North Kinser Pike/Prow Road Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area. Construction of the trail along the top of the dam, along with the installation of fencing and a new stairway access point to the trail system from the parking lot below the dam, is scheduled to begin May 24. The third phase of trail construction, an improved 4-mile trail on the south shore, will begin later this summer.

ENGINEERING

East Allen Greenway Connector (Morton to Madison)-

The City is pleased to announce an upcoming project aimed at enhancing the connectivity between the existing East Allen Street Neighborhood Greenway and the recently approved West Allen Street Neighborhood Greenway. The plan involves creating a final stretch of pathway that will seamlessly link these two sections, benefiting pedestrians and cyclists. For more information about the location of the planned connector, please visit: bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/west-allen-connector 

A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the intersection of the B-Line and Allen St., allowing community members the opportunity to actively participate in shaping this important connector. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, May 25th at 5:30 p.m. Furthermore, an open comment period is currently underway, welcoming community members to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the proposal. You can find the open comment form at: https://bton.in/XAOjr

17th Street Multiuse Path (Monroe to Walnut)– 

Work continues on a multiuse path that is being constructed along the north side of the street, and accessible sidewalk curb ramps are being installed. The street will be resurfaced, and the existing traffic signal at the intersection of 17th Street at Madison Street/Kinser Pike will be replaced. Construction began in April and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Next week traffic will be shifted from the southern side of 17th Street to the northern side to accommodate the installation of curb ramps on the southern side of the road. On or after May 30th, the left turn lanes will be reopened between Walnut and College, and work will continue into the intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike. The intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike will be closed to through traffic from May 30th to July 14th. Access to all local businesses will remain open, and a detour will be in place. More information is available on the project webpage at: https://bton.in/1D30T

West Allen Neighborhood Greenway– 

Construction of the Greenway is beginning on West Allen Street from South Patterson Drive to South Walnut Street. Beginning on May 22nd, and continuing for seven days, the intersection of South Rogers Street and West Allen Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during working hours. The closure is required for the reconstruction of the traffic island on Rogers Street. More information is available on the project webpage at: https://bton.in/N6baS

Hopewell Phase 1 East Infrastructure Project-

On Monday, May 15th, the City of Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved Resolution 23-42, which provides the necessary funding for the Hopewell Phase I East Infrastructure Project. At the upcoming Board of Public Works meeting on May 23rd, the Board will have the opportunity to approve the agreement with Milestone Contractors for the construction of Hopewell Phase I East. The contract amount is $13,373,284.90. Construction of the project is anticipated to be completed in late 2024. More information regarding the project is available on the project webpage:  bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/bhru-ph1east

PUBLIC WORKS

Resurfacing Project-

During the week of May 22nd, weather permitting, the Department of Public Works Street Division crews are scheduled to resurface South Madison Street from W Country Club Dr to Dead End and West Coolidge Drive from S Rogers St to S Bryan St and S Bryan Street from Camden Dr to Dead End. The Division will prep streets prior to resurfacing and will have restrictions during work hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Signage will be posted. View an interactive map of 2023 paving projects at: https://bton.in/tpNzZ