Bloomington commuters may notice a little less traffic congestion moving east and west starting Monday, even as new construction projects on the west side are slated to begin.
The Tapp Road interchange at State Road 37 is now open in all directions. City officials say they hope that will greatly decrease the pressure on the West Third and West Second Street bridges, where lane restrictions are still in place.
Bloomington police will be stationed at key intersections along West Third again Monday afternoon and possibly through the rest of the week. City officials say they expect to cut back on traffic flaggers now that the Tapp Road interchange is open.
"Since many students are away, and the weather is conducive, summer is a traditionally busy time for road construction in Bloomington," said Mayor John Hamilton in a statement. "This summer's schedule is particularly intense because of multiple projects led by various state and local agencies that need to get done soon for financial, environmental, or safety concerns."
I-69 Section 5 was supposed to be complete by now, but the project is now two years behind schedule.
Â
Grimes Lane at Walnut
Construction crews shut down Grimes Lane at the South Walnut intersection Monday morning. Workers are installing a sanitary sewer system.
The project is expected to wrap up by Aug. 8.
Tapp & Rockport
The intersection of Tapp and Rockport Roads will close down on Monday, June 11 until mid-November.
Country Club Bridge
The bridge on West Country Club is expected to reopen by June 24, overlapping with the Grimes & Walnut closure for about three weeks.
West Second Street
The bridge and interchange are expected to reopen in late June.
West Third Street
West Third Street is currently restricted to two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane. The interchange is expected to reopen in August.
Â
Rhorer Road
Monroe County's Fullerton Pike Phase I reconstruction project is underway, closing Rhorer Road between Walnut Street and Walnut Street Pike. Work started this month, and the road will be closed for 150 days.
