BLOOMINGTON — The protected bike lane and sidewalk along Seventh Street from North Grant Street to North Dunn Street will close beginning Feb. 17, according to a news release.
Bloomington’s Board of Public Works approved the request from city staff on Monday.
The closure will clear the way for the redevelopment at the former Poplars site, an $81 million dollar project announced in Aug. 2023.
The 200,000 square foot, six-story building will include student housing, study spaces and a fitness center. Construction is expected to wrap up next March.
According to the release, crane safety, detour routes and the upcoming Kirkwood Avenue closure were factors in the decision.
“We understand that any closure, especially one affecting a key corridor like 7th Street, will create challenges for residents, cyclists, and commuters,” City of Bloomington Engineering Director Andrew Cibor said in the release. “After careful consideration and discussions with Bloomington Transit, Transportation Planning, and FA Wilhelm staff, closing the bike lane emerged as the option with the least overall impact, despite our efforts to explore alternatives that would keep it intact.”
Residents are encouraged to use the sidewalk on the north side of Seventh Street. The sidewalks and street parking on North Grant Street and North Dunn Street will remain open as well.
The closure will last through Nov. 21.
