BLOOMINGTON (WMBD) — White Oak Road between Market and Locust Streets is re-opened to traffic with a new traffic pattern. 

The reconstruction of the intersection aimed to increase safety. Turns are permanently limited to southbound and westbound right turns. Left turns from White Oak to Market or from Market to White Oak are not allowed. 

Drivers wishing to make a left turn are encouraged to use Locust Street and Hinshaw Avenue or Martin Luther King Jr Drive. A release from the city of Bloomington says there are also now truck restrictions on Chestnut Street and Graham Street.

The Illinois Department of Transportation identified the intersection for safety improvements during the redevelopment of the Illinois Route 9 Corridor. The previous intersection had poor sight-distance for turning vehicles, pedestrian access and ADA compliance issues. It was also too close to the railroad, the city said.

IDOT considered options including closing White Oak Road at Market Street, closing White Oak Road at Locust Street, and shifting the intersection to the east, which was used. Modernization of the railroad crossing safety equipment required the addition of a raised median that eliminated any left turns.

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