By Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Public Works Department has been receiving helpful feedback from the public on whether to remove the traffic signals on Front Street at Main Street and Center Street.
Speaking with WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, Public Works Director Jim Karch explained the responses the department has gotten so far have been fairly unanimous.
Listen to WJBC’s Scott Laughlin talk with Bloomington Public Works Director Jim Karch:
https://soundcloud.com/user-493024408/jim-karch-bloomington-public-works-director-5-22-18
“We asked for it, we’re getting it,” said Karch. “Actually the majority of responses that we’ve gotten are very clear – take them out.”
He said there is some differences in what residents want to replace the traffic signals.
“The responses vary from stop signs, help pedestrians,” Karch explained.
Karch noted residents do want something to stand in place of the traffic signals. In that regard, he explained Bloomington is attempting to find a solution that satisfies residents while bringing something fresh to downtown.
“They’re not needed, but we don’t feel safe if you just took them out and didn’t do something else. That’s what we’re looking at – what else can we do to be innovative, make it safer for the whole downtown, and also maybe even provide a model for what we look at in some other areas,” Karch said.
Patrick Baron can be reached at patrick.baron@cumulus.com.
