IN 45/46 construction will make traffic worse before it gets better

As Bloomington continues to grow, its roads must also expand, causing traffic problems in the process.

Started earlier this year and continuing until 2012, the IN-45/46 bypass will be under
construction.

Three miles of the bypass will be widened to up to seven lanes in some places. The project is estimated to cost about $22 million.

The idea for the expansion of the bypass has been in the works for at least 20 years.
It originated with the Indiana Department of Transportation in the 1980s and 1990s, said Stephen Volan, Bloomington city council member.

Discussions began because of the traffic buildup on the bypass, with drivers complaining of long waits.

The expansion will add more lanes with the intention of decreasing traffic.
However, Volan said although the expansion itself is a good idea, the bypass doesn’t need to be expanded as widely as it is.

“I don’t think it’s an improvement,” he said, adding that the expansion will simply allow more cars to go faster.

Volan also said he believes the project is $11 million too expensive.
Still, he said IU and the City of Bloomington are both in favor of the expansion.
As part of the expansion, all intersections will be widened, and there will be more ways to get on and off the bypass.

However, the construction associated with the expansion has caused some students to complain.

As part of the construction, many trees near the bypass were cut down. Some of these trees helped block some Greek houses from the bypass.

Many students have also complained that the construction is interfering with the drive around Bloomington, while others seem unaffected.

“I live on North Walnut Street,” La-Tisha Plummer said. “In terms of getting across town to the mall, I think of alternative routes to get there.”

She also said the construction makes traffic worse at game times.  
Volan said during the next two years, traffic is going to get worse before it gets better.
Sophomore Aisha Wilson said she isn’t really affected by the construction.

“I really don’t know a lot about it at all. I just assume a lot of traffic,” she said. “There’s a good and bad benefit from it. Process takes time.”