BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) have reached a preliminary agreement that significantly reduces the number of mature oak trees scheduled for removal along E. 10th Street near Pete Ellis Drive.
INDOT previously notified the City that up to fifteen oak trees along the corridor could be removed as part of planned work in the state right-of-way near the Pete Ellis Drive post office. Following discussions with the City and a review of community concerns, INDOT revised its plans, reducing the number of trees expected to be removed to seven, preserving eight mature oaks along Pete Ellis Drive.
The City raised concerns after hearing from residents about the potential loss of mature tree canopy along the corridor. City staff communicated those concerns to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and worked collaboratively to explore options that would reduce the number of trees impacted while allowing the state’s SR 45 (10th Street) & Pete Ellis Drive intersection improvements and SR 45 added travel lanes project to proceed. The updated plan reflects those discussions and a shared effort to balance infrastructure improvements with preservation of Bloomington’s urban tree canopy.
The proposed agreement will be presented to the Bloomington Board of Public Works for discussion on March 23. Additional procedural steps related to temporary right-of-way access may also be required before work begins. Tree removal will be complete prior to April 1.
The City of Bloomington appreciates INDOT’s willingness to work collaboratively and to consider community feedback as the project moves forward.
For project-specific questions or to report concerns during construction, residents are encouraged to contact INDOT directly through INDOT4U at 855-463-6848 or indot4u.com.
