Bloomington’s most iconic street could see significant changes if the city adopts its draft transportation plan.
It includes several key recommendations, including turning Kirkwood Avenue into what’s called a shared street.
"So a shared street is a curbless street that prioritizes walking for the most part and still allows vehicles to be there and can still allow on-street parking," says Beth Rosenbarger, the city’s bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.
Rosenbarger says the shared streets slow car traffic down.
The recommendations are the result of a several month process the city entered into with landscape architecture firm Toole Design Group to assess its transportation needs.
The company held a series of public meetings over the past few months to get public input and develop a long-term transportation plan.
Another proposal includes reducing the number of one-way streets in the city, by opening major transportation routes like College Avenue and Walnut Street to two-way traffic.
"Historically every street in Bloomington was a two way street, but they recommend further study," she says.
Rosenbarger says South Bend recently converted its major one-way streets to two ways, and it spurred additional development downtown.
The public can weigh in on the recommendations at a July 12 meeting at city hall.