City in Motion: Bloomington’s Summer of Progress

Bloomington is on the move-literally. All across the city, roads are being resurfaced, sidewalks are being rebuilt, and long-awaited infrastructure upgrades are underway. It's shaping up to be one of the most active summers in recent memory for construction and public improvement work.

From the launch of the Downtown Streetscape project to fresh pavement on GE Road, Oakland Avenue, and Fort Jesse, this season's projects are designed to improve how people move through and experience Bloomington. Sidewalk repairs are also in full swing, with work focused on long-standing complaints and residential areas like the Meadowbrook Subdivision. The South Main Street sidewalk project just wrapped up Phase 1, marking a win for safe and accessible pedestrian routes.

Major corridor upgrades like Hamilton Road are progressing as well, with Phase 1 construction on track for a fall finish and bids for Phase 2 opening in early August. Elsewhere, subdivision improvements are underway as part of the FY25 Concrete Subdivision Project, while preventive treatments like slurry and reclamite applications are scheduled throughout August to preserve pavement and extend road life.

Underground work is just as busy. The City recently completed its FY25 Sewer Rehabilitation Program, which included lining and repairs ahead of upcoming IDOT improvements on Business 51 and Illinois Route 9. Additional sewer and utility upgrades are already in planning, including a major storm sewer fix on Maizefield. While not the final step, this project is a significant milestone toward closing Bloomington's remaining IEPA-permitted combined sewer overflows. The City remains committed to completing all required phases, including future work in the Locust-Colton area by the 2030 compliance deadline.

Residents will also see progress at key intersections like Wylie & Maple Hill, as well as the completion of multi-use trail and sidewalk improvements near Pepper Ridge and along the Route 66 Trail. All these efforts-big and small-are part of a broader push to invest in public infrastructure that enhances safety, mobility, and quality of life.

"This is what progress looks like," said Mayor Dan Brady. "It's sometimes dusty and inconvenient in the short term, but every project we take on helps build a stronger, safer, and more connected Bloomington."

"None of this would be possible without the incredible coordination, planning, and follow-through of our City staff," said City Manager Jeff Jurgens. "They're the quiet force keeping things moving and making sure we keep our promise to make life better for everyone in Bloomington."

For ongoing updates and a full list of current projects, residents are encouraged to visit the City's Infrastructure Dashboard HERE.