With the ongoing environmental cleanup at the Nicor Bloomington Gas Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) on Washington Street the City of Bloomington is aware the prolonged street closure in the area is an inconvenience to many.
It was determined that the stability of soils under Washington Street have been potentially impacted. As such, Nicor’s MGP cleanup work needs to be completed before an evaluation of Washington Street and the underlaying soils can be completed. Once evaluated and deemed safe for the traveling public, Washington Street will reopen to traffic.
To ease some of the continued frustration felt by residents the city is evaluating the detour route, current signage, and adjacent intersection operations and making adjustments to improve traffic flow and minimize inconveniences to the traveling public and impacted businesses. Including, extending the northbound left turn timing at Market and Morris to help get traffic through the intersection.
While the long-term road closure may be an aggravation the City and Nicor Gas feel safety is a priority and must keep the road closed to ensure worksite safety and the safety of the traveling public. Nicor Gas continues to monitor their progress and will open the area sooner if possible.
For more information about the Bloomington MGP Cleanup Project, please visit www.bloomingtonsite.info, contact the project team at info@bloomingtonsite.info or contact Bernie Anderson, Nicor Gas, Regional Manager, Community Affairs at 309-261-
4155.
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