Bloomington to Shift Second Street to One-Way Traffic
The street will transition to one-way traffic starting Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to accommodate major infrastructure work.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Beginning Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Second Street in Bloomington will be restricted to one-way traffic for construction. Eastbound vehicles will be diverted to First Street for the duration of the project.
Why it matters
The closure facilitates critical upgrades, including the replacement of aging traffic signals and the installation of essential storm sewer infrastructure. The project also aims to modernize the corridor with a two-way protected bike lane and new trees.
The construction project encompasses the replacement of traffic signals at the intersections of Second and Walker and Second and Rogers. Two-way traffic is scheduled to be restored by Thanksgiving 2026.
The details
The construction plan mandates a full closure to eastbound traffic, which will be rerouted to First Street. Beyond the signal replacements, crews will install a two-way protected bike lane and incorporate new trees along the Second Street corridor.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: One-way traffic restriction begins.
Thanksgiving 2026: Two-way traffic is scheduled to be restored.
Market Landscape
The project follows a pattern set by the Complete Streets municipal design guidelines, which prioritize protected bike lanes and multi-modal transit corridors. This approach positions city infrastructure to better accommodate non-vehicular traffic alongside existing road networks.
Drivers should expect significant congestion and altered commute times while eastbound traffic is routed to First Street. Residents and business patrons in the area should plan for extra travel time until the two-way traffic flow is restored.
The takeaway
Commuters should adjust their daily travel routes to account for the eastbound diversion onto First Street. Residents can expect a modernized transit corridor featuring enhanced bike safety and updated traffic signals upon the project's completion.
What happens next
The return of two-way traffic is projected for Thanksgiving 2026.
Further reading
For updates on local infrastructure projects, visit Bloomington Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indiana Public Media.
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