Hidden River Pathway Project
Despite recent rain, the Hidden River Pathway Project is progressing with the replacement of the network of culverts that carry the Campus River (formerly the Jordan River) from Dunn Meadow on the Indiana University campus southwest under downtown Bloomington to 1st Street and College Avenue, where it reappears as Clear Creek.
Over the next couple of weeks, crews will continue to pour concrete for the new “cast-in-place” box culvert on South Washington Street between Smith Avenue and East Second Street and working on the relocation of sanitary pipes and structures continues on South Lincoln Street. The eastern side of Lincoln remains closed during installation. Traffic will continue to flow on the western side of the street.
On weekday afternoons, especially between 3 and 4 p.m., motorists are asked to avoid using South Washington Street between East Third Street and Smith Avenue. As school dismissal and pickup from The Project School can create traffic congestion during this time, motorists are asked to find an alternate route.
The playground and four trees at The Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (Third Street Park) were removed in February to accommodate the culvert replacement. The playground and amenities will be restored upon completion of the project in that area, anticipated in late 2021. The City’s Urban Forester continues to monitor the health of trees in the park, as they are susceptible to construction impacts. As the parking lot on the east side of the Allison-Jukebox Community Center is serving as a staging area for the project, public parking there is limited to a few spaces for the duration of the project.
Over the next two years, City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) and its contractor, Milestone Contractors, LLP will be reconstructing 1,829 feet of culverts. In addition to stormwater improvements, some reconstruction of sanitary sewers and water main infrastructure will be simultaneously completed to support Bloomington’s vibrant downtown. More information, maps, and updates about the Hidden River Pathway Project are available here.
When encountering these improvement projects or others, motorists are asked to travel slowly, cautiously, and distraction-free through every construction zone for the safety of the workers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
