Council Advances Ferry Road Study, Waste Rate Changes
The Bloomington City Council provided direction Monday on three major initiatives during a study session, including a corridor visioning study for Bloomington Ferry Road, enhanced solid waste rates for 2026, and stricter liquor license compliance measures.
The Ferry Road Corridor Visioning Study, presented by SRF Consulting Group, proposes reducing the 2.7-mile stretch from four lanes to three lanes with enhanced pedestrian crossings and sustainable infrastructure. The study aims to "right-size" the corridor, as current traffic volumes of 3,500 to 7,000 vehicles daily are well below the 15,000 typically needed for four lanes. Council members supported the approach, with alternatives to be presented to the public in September.
Council also endorsed stronger "pay-as-you-throw" solid waste rates designed to encourage waste reduction through financial incentives. The proposed system would increase the price difference between garbage cart sizes and add every-other-week service for small carts. Dr. Lisa Skumatz of Scott's Economic Research Associates presented modeling showing the changes could reduce waste disposal by 15% while potentially saving money for most households that downsize their service.
The council addressed increasing liquor license compliance violations, with failures rising significantly since 2018. Currently, the city issues fines but doesn't suspend licenses until the fourth violation. Council members expressed support for earlier suspensions and mandatory server training requirements to address what public health officials described as a concerning trend affecting youth access to alcohol.
Staff will return with formal proposals during the budget process in October, with implementation planned for 2026 for both the solid waste rates and enhanced liquor license enforcement measures.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Potential lane reduction on Bloomington Ferry Road due to low traffic volumes and underutilized pavement.
- Concerns over 'rolling stops' and safety for pedestrians/cyclists at corridor intersections.
- Proposed integration of 'green infrastructure' to address flooding issues in residential areas.
- Study examines the feasibility of roundabouts to replace unnecessary traffic signals along the corridor.
- City initiative to use right-of-way for place-making and linear parks instead of excess vehicle capacity.
Votes (1)
Approval of the agenda as stated
Moved by Mayor · Seconded by Council Member Dallessandro
Notable Quotes (3)
There's a lot of roadway out there. So this project is determined what's the best use of all of that right away.
Those are elevated in the 5 to 10 mile per hour range. So some of the mechanics of something that we're interested in controlling.
I'm one of the things I'm most interested in is that we if we're going to do things like multi-modal transportation, bike lanes and things like that that they actually have a traverse set.
People (4)
Amy BrownAssistant Traffic EngineerPresented the history and goals of the Bloomington Ferry Road corridor study.
Presented the history and goals of the Bloomington Ferry Road corridor study.
Philip CooleyConsultantTechnical lead presenting corridor analysis, public engagement results, and design alternatives.
1 quote
Technical lead presenting corridor analysis, public engagement results, and design alternatives.
“Correct. Exactly.”
Confirming that existing traffic signals do not meet warrants and are likely unnecessary.
DallessandroCouncil MemberRequested data on bike path usage and potential increases in traffic volume if connectivity is improved.
Requested data on bike path usage and potential increases in traffic volume if connectivity is improved.
Unidentified Council MemberCouncil MemberShared personal observation regarding vehicle speeding on the wide, low-traffic roadway.
Shared personal observation regarding vehicle speeding on the wide, low-traffic roadway.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- July 28th, 2025, City Council Study Session
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Bloomington Ferry Road Corridor Visioning Study
Solid Waste Rates
Liquor License Discussion
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