Board finds public need, approves right-of-way services for Grimes and Walnut signal project

The Bloomington City Board of Public Works on July 29 approved a resolution confirming public need for signal replacement and pedestrian-accessibility work at the intersection of Grimes and Walnut, and separately approved an amendment to the project’s design contract to cover right-of-way acquisition services.

Neil Copper of the engineering department told the board "the existing traffic signal, is past its useful age and needs to be replaced." He said the project is primarily a signal replacement with "minor geometric improvements focused on pedestrian safety and accessibility," and that staff discovered a need to acquire right of way at three of the four corners to complete the work.

The board first approved a resolution that confirms the project serves a public need and begins the right-of-way acquisition process. The board then approved Amendment No. 1 to the design contract with Kimley‑Horn to add $64,465 for appraisal and acquisition services; Copper said the amendment covers services for appraisals and buying and does not include the cost to purchase parcels. The amendment raises the contract total to $170,015.

Copper also told the board the project falls outside the limits of the ongoing College‑Walnut corridor study and that planning and transportation staff did not expect the project to conflict with broader corridor recommendations.

Both motions passed on roll call votes recorded by board members Perrone (Aye), Roach (Aye) and Cox Deckard (Aye). Staff stated support for both the resolution and the contract amendment.