Popular on TelAve


Similar on TelAve

City of Bloomington Expands Traffic Barriers Along East 3rd Street Bicycle Lane to Enhance Safety

TelAve News/10856271
~ Bloomington, IN- The City of Bloomington has announced plans to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists and other roadway users by installing additional traffic barriers along East 3rd Street. The barriers will be placed in the painted buffer between the bicycle and vehicle traffic lanes along East 3rd Street between South Indiana Avenue and South Rose Avenue. The installation is scheduled to take place during Spring Break, from March 17-22, 2025, weather permitting.

According to city officials, this project is part of ongoing efforts to improve the functionality of the 3rd Street corridor. The bicycle lane on this street is designated for cyclists only, but vehicles attempting to use it as a drop-off or pick-up zone have created safety concerns for cyclists, pedestrians, and buses. In response to these concerns, the city installed barriers in 2024 which have proven effective in discouraging this behavior.

Residents have already noticed a positive impact from the previous barrier installation. "The newly installed barriers have made my commute so much more comfortable!" said one resident. Another noted, "3rd Street is much easier to bike on now."

More on TelAve News
To ensure safe and legal drop-off and pick-up options, vehicles are encouraged to utilize posted loading zones, side streets, permitted locations on Indiana University property, or other designated areas.

This project marks the second phase of the East 3rd Street Protected Bicycle Lane project. The first phase was completed in March 2024 and included the installation of traffic barriers and delineator posts between South Indiana Avenue and South Eagleson Avenue. Two types of traffic barriers were used in this phase: rubber vehicle stops and an engineered "Cycle Lane" barrier manufactured by TrafficLogix.

After observing their effectiveness over the past year, city officials have determined that the engineered traffic barriers are more durable than rubber vehicle stops. As a result, phase two of the project will replace all rubber vehicle stops with "Cycle Lane" barriers or a similar product and fill in the remaining gaps in bicycle lane protection between South Indiana Avenue and South Rose Avenue.

More on TelAve News
Kendall Knoke, Project Engineer with the City of Bloomington Engineering Department, stated, "We've learned a lot over the last year and were able to do so cost-effectively by using materials the City already had on hand. In this next phase, we are better informed regarding which products will be the most effective."

It is important to note that barriers will not be installed at bus stops, intersections where turning movements are necessary, or at driveways. The city will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new barriers and make adjustments as needed.

During construction, lane restrictions and flagging operations will be in place along East 3rd Street. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are advised to use caution while traveling through the area during this time. The city urges all residents to comply with traffic laws and utilize designated areas for drop-off and pick-up purposes.

This project is a significant step towards creating a safer and more accessible environment for all roadway users on East 3rd Street. The city remains committed to improving its infrastructure for the benefit of its residents and visitors.

Filed Under: Government, City
Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on TelAve News