A bridge on Eagleson Avenue at IU’s campus is set for replacement next year.
The bridge, just south of Law Lane, is rated in poor condition and serves as a busy thoroughfare for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic through campus. Until recently, the bridge was owned by Indiana University—but the school was unable to access federal funding to replace it.
Lisa Ridge, Monroe County highway director, said the county stepped in to manage the project and secure funding.
“IU couldn't run that federal aid project through the school, so INDOT approached Monroe County about taking over the project,” Ridge said. “We’ll accept the bridge into our inventory when it’s completed.”
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will use federal funding to cover 80% of the project cost—about $3.9 million—while the county covers the remaining 20%, or roughly $976,000.
Ridge says INDOT agreed to fund both the bridge and the Karst Trail extension around the same time. That trail project, completed in 2024, stretches from Ellettsville to the B-Line Trail in downtown Bloomington.
Project bids are expected to begin in January, with construction likely starting in April and lasting through the year.
Ridge said the county is coordinating with IU, the City of Bloomington, and other partners to minimize disruption during the build.
