Road work to begin in full force

While driving through Bloomington, one can't help but notice the patches of bare pavement blocked off by flourescent orange cones and the large signs that read "caution: road work ahead." After such a destructive winter, drivers are now faced with the hassle of Bloomington's major construction projects.\nThe most obvious sites for repair are College Mall Road, the area just north of 17th Street between College Avenue and Walnut Street and the intersection of Sixth Street and College Avenue. \nThe widening of College Mall Road, which began in the summer of 2001, has forced many students to take alternate routes to their off-campus residences. The proposed project involves the widening of College Mall Road from north of Moores Pike, the reconstruction of Second Street at the College Mall Road intersection and overall road construction with an addition of grass medians and multi-use pathways, according to the city of Bloomington Engineering Department. \n"The construction, which cost over $6 million, is a complete remodel of College Mall Road," Sam Dean, project coordinator and engineer for the city of Bloomington said. "When the project is complete, hopefully by July, residents will see a new sewer system and better facilities for bikes and pedestrians."\nAnalyses performed by the city last year indicated a strong need for the project, due to high traffic volumes caused by the commercial development around the mall area. The reconstruction of College Mall Road will improve traffic conditions by adding additional travel lanes and widening the curbs and sidewalks.\n"The pavement was in poor condition and the road capacity was not very ideal for most circumstances. In addition, the storm water had a tendency to flood the road," Dean said. "A lot of different needs put together gave this project a high priority."\nDespite the cold winter weather, Dean said there were no major delays in the project. However, many local residents have had to face high volumes of traffic on the one-lane road. \n"All intersecting roads have been closed at some point in this project," Dean said. "Despite all of the heavy construction, we have a very good working relationship with residents and business owners."\nIn August 2004, the construction site located on College Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets will be replaced by a $42 million development for student-living. The old ST Semicon plant was recently torn down to provide students with more off-campus living opportunities.\nRick Alexander, assistant manager of engineering, said that, when complete, the four-story building is expected to consist of at least 100 apartments and there is currently a waiting list for tenants.\n"This is one of the only construction projects that hasn't really affected traffic," Alexander said. "Parking might be difficult in the next few months, as many lots have been eliminated."\nAlexander said the engineers are required to meet with officials from the city on a regular basis. \n"If there are any public concerns, I can assure that they will be met right away in an appropriate manner," Alexander said. \nAlthough Alexander said traffic isn't posing a problem, the area on Ninth Street between College Avenue and Morton will close, in addition to the lane nearest the construction site.\nBloomington-based Weddle Bros. is the general contractor for this two-year project.\n"Smallwood Plaza is creating a major private investment in our downtown," said Mayor John Fernandez in a statement. "This project is bringing much needed residential housing into the core of our city."\nThe long reconstruction of Miller Showers Park, located alongside College Avenue and Walnut Street between 17th Street and the Highway 46 Bypass, began over a year ago and is expected to be complete next November, said Dave Williams, Bloomington's operations director.\nThe renovation project is a cooperative effort between the Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department and the Utilities Department. The improvements to the park include a scenic entrance, landscaping with native trees, a new lighting system, areas for waterfalls, benches, hard surface trails and pedestrian and bicycle pathways.\nWilliams said the project was delayed an additional two months, due to the unsafe working conditions from the winter's weather.\n"We truly appreciate the public's patience," he said. "The outcome will be well worth the wait."\nThe $4 million project will also improve the quality of storm water by creating ponds to filter out sediment, bacteria and debris. Williams said the water had a tendency to often "race through the park in a highly erosive manner."\nTraffic on 17th Street near the site has recently been one lane only. William attributes this to the storm water piping and sewer system reroute to College and Walnut streets. \n"The worst of the disruption is over," Williams said. "Soon, the public will see this ugly construction site transform into a beautiful park, and an entryway into our town"