Bloomington Street construction causing confusion for motorists

A pair of vehicles proceed northbound from SR 240 in the southbound lane of Bloomington Street Monday afternoon. A number of narrow misses were noted in the construction zone Monday, as motorists continued to use the lane for southbound traffic. There is currently no southbound traffic on Bloomington between Washington Street and 240.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The partial closure of Bloomington Street due to an INDOT construction project was causing consternation as of Monday.

As previously announced, U.S. 231 (Bloomington Street) is restricted between SR 240 and Washington Street. There is no southbound traffic on that section of the road, with northbound traffic shifted into the existing southbound lane within the work zone.

From Washington Street, turn lanes to the south are blocked off, with the idea being to keep southbound traffic off the road. Additionally, side streets intersecting Bloomington Street are marked with “One Way” and “Left Turn Only” signs, yet some drivers are still traveling southbound, a problem noted by a Monday-morning Facebook post from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

“INDOT has blocked off both turning lanes, installed barricades and put up signs indicating that the road is closed and you cannot turn there,” the posted noted. “Yet we are still seeing people attempt it anyway.”

Two motorists narrowly avoided a collision just north of SR 240 Monday afternoon, as one car had correctly continued northbound while the other had erroneously turned southbound from Broadway Street.

For drivers attempting to continue northbound, the intersection of U.S. 231 and SR 240 is a bit confusing, as it’s not immediately clear that the vehicles should cross over and continue north. Most drivers appeared to be avoiding the conundrum and turning to the right or left. One motorist even proceeded in the center lane before stopping suddenly, then turning left.

Crews will be resurfacing the road as well as replacing curbs, cutters and sidewalks. The restrictions are set to last through the end of May, weather permitting.

The official INDOT detour follows U.S. 231 to U.S. 40 or SR 240 to SR 75 to U.S. 36, back to U.S. 231.

However, local motorists will continue finding local ways around the construction.

The construction is just one of four phases of the project awarded to Rieth Riley Construction for $12.3 million.

The full scope includes the stretch from 240 to Frazier Street on the city’s north side.

One-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project, with exception to the closures. Rieth Riley will hold public information meetings before work starts in each construction season.

The final phases of the project are slated for 2024.