Changes may soon be coming to East State Road 45 on Bloomington’s east side.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is planning several alterations to the route from the State Road 46 bypass to the intersections of Pete Ellis Drive and Discovery Parkway.
The agency said in an announcement that the route currently suffers from traffic congestion and lacks efficient pedestrian infrastructure, such as connected sidewalks and substandard crosswalks.
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The road connects Indiana University's campus to several apartment complexes near the College Mall.
The proposed changes include widening the street, adding exclusive left- and right-turn lanes, adding an east-to-west bike lane, adding a sidewalk/multi-use path, adding more pedestrian signals and replacing current traffic signals.
INDOT expects the project to cost about $9.8 million. It hopes to start construction in November 2024 – but in the meantime, it wants to hear from members of the public.
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The agency will hold a public hearing on the project from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the North Central Church of Christ, 2121 N. Dunn St.
Those unable to attend the hearing may also submit comments by emailing engineering consultant Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. at creiter@cmtengr.com. People can also submit comments to INDOT Customer Service online or by calling 855-463-6848.
INDOT said it will accept comments until Nov. 3.
