This page contains information on current road construction projects that are underway by the City. For all the information on an individual project, simply click on the name of the project. Projects are listed in alphabetical order.
If you have any questions about previous or future projects not listed below, call our Engineering Office at 319-356-5140.
Bicycle Master Plan Implementation 2026
Project Overview
This project will update pavement markings and traffic striping to support planned bicycle improvements. Work will include removing existing striping and markings and installing new striping and markings in the following locations:
South Gilbert Street (from Highway 6 to McCollister Boulevard)
4- to 3-lane conversion and bike lane installation
Sunset Street (from Highway 1 to Benton Street)
Lane width reduction and bike lane installation
Mormon Trek Boulevard (southeast of the Highway 1 intersection)
Additional inside left turn lane
Projected Timeline
Neighborhood Outreach and City Council Approval: March - April 2026
Bidding: April - May 2026
Construction: May - late Summer 2026
Anticipated Council Dates
Set Public Hearing: 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Public Hearing (approval of plan and specifications): 6 p.m., April 7, 2026
Both meetings will take place at Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Public Information Meetings
The City hosted an in-person informational open house on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Horn Elementary School.
A virtual informational open house was hosted on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. A recording of the virtual open house can be found here.
Burlington Street Bridge - Building Better Connections
Burlington Street Bridge - Building Better Connections
Project Overview:
The original Burlington Street bridge that spanned the Iowa River was built in 1860 and was Iowa City’s first non-toll bridge. Re-designed and re-constructed several times since, the current Burlington Bridge carrying eastbound traffic is due to be replaced. The westbound bridge will also be replaced and will remain owned and maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). These bridges serve as a key connection point for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ Kinnick Stadium, the CAMBUS facility, and several City of Iowa City facilities. Students, residents, football fans, emergency responders, and more cross Burlington Bridge each day, highlighting the importance of this critical community connection.
Ultimately, improvements will:
Modernize and replace Burlington Street east and westbound bridges with a single bridge.
Enhance roadway safety and mobility for all modes of transportation including transit, walking and biking.
Convert Melrose Avenue and Byington Road to accommodate two-way traffic.
Improve pedestrian connections over Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue.
Evaluate multiple intersections for safety enhancements and improvements.
Assess the existing dam for potential modifications or removal.
Project Map:
Project Schedule:
This project will occur in phases. Currently, work is occurring in a preliminary phase, which includes a planning study to assess ways to improve bridge design to accommodate vehicle, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic; consider ways to improve pedestrian connections over Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue; and assess the existing condition of the Iowa River dam for safety modifications or removal. The City of Iowa City and the Iowa Department of Transportation will work together on next steps after the study is complete. Future phases of the project include preliminary and final design prior to construction.
Get Connected
Sept. 25, 2025, Public Meeting
The City of Iowa City hosted a public information meeting on Sept. 25, 2025. Watch the meeting below.
Jan. 30, 2025, Public Meeting
The City also held a public meeting on Jan. 30, 2025.
Burlington Street features two bridges that cross the Iowa River, one carrying westbound traffic and the other carrying eastbound traffic. The eastbound bridge was built in 1915 and is over 100 years old and carries approximately 22,400 vehicles each day. Additionally, the bridges need to accommodate bus, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic as they serve as critical connections to Downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa Campus. This project will also consider ways to improve pedestrian connections over Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue to increase access and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act provisions.
Grand Avenue, Melrose Avenue, and Byington Road are being considered for geometric, multimodal, and traffic flow improvements including conversion of Melrose Avenue and Byington Road from one-way to two-way traffic. Additionally, multiple intersections will be considered for safety enhancements and other improvements.
What’s happening with the Burlington Street Dam?
During this phase of the project, the team will assess the Iowa River dam for the potential for safety modifications or removal. Since 1965, five fatalities have been associated with the dam.
How will the new bridge be constructed?
The current planning phase of the project will assess the feasibility of design options for a new Burlington Street bridge and evaluate repair or replacement options to the existing pedestrian bridges. As alternatives are evaluated, constructability will be a consideration but will not be determined. Once an alternative bridge design has been selected, the final design phase will detail construction timing and phasing.
Who owns the bridge?
Today, the City of Iowa City owns the eastbound bridge. This is the bridge in most need of replacement. The Iowa DOT owns the westbound bridge. Once re-built, the Iowa DOT will own and maintain the new, combined bridge.
How is this phase of the project funded?
Funding for the planning and design of the Burlington Bridge Replacement Project will come from a combination of federal grant funds and City of Iowa City sources. Replacement alternatives and associated costs have not yet been determined.
What is the schedule for the project?
The initial study phase of the project began in October 2024 and will be complete by the end of 2025. This current phase includes evaluating needs and constraints, developing replacement alternatives, and conducting studies and outreach to ensure that a new bridge will be both functional and accepted by stakeholders and the public. Once a preferred alternative has been selected, the design phase will follow. Construction could start as early as 2027.
Will bicycle and pedestrian facilities be part of the project?
The project team will evaluate existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and planning documents to determine what improvements are needed. Safety enhancements to multimodal facilities, including transit, will be a key part of the planning process.
How can I provide input to the project and how will it be used?
You can provide input on the project by participating in public surveys, filling out a comment form, or attending public meetings. The project team will consider input and work to make accommodations that reflect stakeholder and community preferences that are feasible from a design, permitting, safety, and budget perspective.
Court Street Reconstruction Project
Recognizing Court Street as a collector street responsible for connecting the east side of Iowa City to the Downtown area, the City of Iowa City is planning to reconstruct Court Street from Muscatine Avenue to First Avenue. Throughout the project lifecycle, City staff and design consultant Foth, will maintain communication with the community via public meetings, project website, and social media updates, as well as mailers and newsletters. With design underway in early 2021, construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
The Court Street Reconstruction Project includes the following:
Replace aging street and sidewalk pavement
Upgrade sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water main utilities
Tentative schedule
Design begins: Spring 2021
Construction begins: February 2025
Anticipated Completion: Fall 2027
December 2025 update
Weather permitting, Muscatine Avenue is expected to reopen to two-way traffic in December. At that time, the west leg of Court Street will reopen to Muscatine Avenue as a T-intersection with a stop sign on Court Street. Seventh Avenue is also anticipated to reopen at that time and Court Street will reopen from Seventh Avenue west to Fairview Avenue.
Traffic signal work is anticipated to continue into January. When the traffic signal at Muscatine Avenue and Court Street is operational, Court Street will fully reopen to vehicle traffic for the winter months. However, most of the sidewalk along Court Street between Grant Street and Seventh Avenue will not be installed until spring 2026.
Project delays
Original plans for the 2025 construction season called for Court Street improvements to be completed from Grant Street to Wales Street. However, various private utility conflicts encountered during construction delayed the project. Permanent roadway paving, storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer were installed from Grant Street through Seventh Avenue, but did not reach Wales Street. This work will instead be completed in the 2026 construction season.
We appreciate your patience as we work through this important project.
Pedestrian impacts
Temporary sidewalks will be placed on Seventh Avenue through the Court Street intersection along with curb ramps on the west side of the intersection to provide an accessible route to school and transit stops. Sidewalks along Court Street will remain closed between Muscatine Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Pedestrians traveling to Longfellow Elementary School and surrounding areas should continue to use the detour of Seventh Avenue and Center Avenue.
May 2025 update
Beginning Monday, May 12, 2025, eastbound Court Street will be closed between Seventh Avenue and B Street. This lane closure will facilitate the installation of a joint utility trench.
The westbound lane of Court Street will remain open and Seventh Avenue will remain open to north-south traffic. This lane reduction is expected to be completed by late May/early June 2025.
April 2025 update
The City of Iowa City would like the community to be aware of delays in the relocation of a private utility associated with the Court Street Reconstruction Project. Construction on the roadway will resume once the relocation is complete.
We appreciate your patience as we work through this important project.
Please note Thoma’s Meat Market remains open during construction. The business can be accessed via their parking lot off of Muscatine Avenue or by parking on side streets.
Public Information Meetings
The City has held several public information meetings to provide project details to community members. Below is a recording of the most recent meeting, held on Feb. 11, 2025.
Select the below map for a high-resolution version.
Pedestrian Detour
Beginning Feb. 12, 2025, the school crossing guard will be relocated to Muscatine Avenue and Seventh Avenue to assist students immediately before and after school.
Traffic Detour
FAQs
What are the benefits of the project?
A new concrete roadway will provide a safe travel surface for vehicles. Accessibility for pedestrians will be improved with new sidewalk and ADA compliant pedestrian ramps along both sides of Court Street. There will be upgrades to the water main, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer that will provide more reliable water and sewer services with lower maintenance.
How will I be able to access my home, business, or City High during construction?
There will be an impact, however, the designers will work to reduce the impacts to properties by phasing work. Short durations of driveway and sidewalk closures will be necessary for some sidewalk, utility installations, and reconstruction of the driveway approaches. Meetings will be scheduled with the residents directly accessing Court Street to discuss access impacts.
How long will my home or business be impacted?
The project is in the early stages of design and planning. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 and continue through to approximately the end of fall of 2027. Project phasing will be finalized as we get further along in the design process.
What will be the impacts be to me or my property?
Installation of new water and sanitary mains and services to the city right-of-way line will cause short periods of outages as well as require some excavation on your property, which will be restored as part of the project. Temporary construction easements will be necessary to complete work outside of the right of way. During construction, there will also be regular construction noise and dust during the work which will be limited to the hours of 7am to 10pm; the exception is for saw cutting of concrete, the timing of which is critical and may be required at off-hours.
Who will the contractor be?
The City received three bids on the project. The contract was awarded to All American Concrete, Inc., of West Liberty.
What might cause delays?
Excavating for a new roadway and utility installations may turn up a few surprises, such as abandoned and unknown utility lines. Also, unknown underground repairs to old infrastructure may need to be addressed if repairs are identified during construction work. Discoveries such as these take time to address. As with any construction project, the weather is a big factor that can cause delays at all phases of construction.
Will the sidewalks be moved further away from the street?
Yes, where feasible. On the north side of Court Street, the sidewalks are going to move approximately 3.5 feet to the north and on the south side the sidewalks will move approximately 2 feet to the south. View a diagram for details.
Where will my mail be delivered during the closure?
Temporary mailboxes for residents in the closure area (Muscatine Avenue to Seventh Avenue) are located on the south end of College Court. Mail will be delivered to these temporary mailboxes.
How will curbside collection work during the closure?
Residents in the closure area (Muscatine Avenue to Seventh Avenue) should put their carts out for collection as they normally would. Construction workers will label the carts and move them to a collection point by 8 a.m. the day of collection. Workers will then return the carts after collection.
Residents are advised to have their carts out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection.
Project Contact
Jon Resler, Project Engineer
City of Iowa City – Engineering Division
319-356-5189 JResler@iowa-city.org
Dodge Street Reconstruction Project
Dodge Street Reconstruction Project
North Dodge Street is currently planned for reconstruction between East Burlington Street and North Governor Street.
The project will involve replacement of sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and water main; new concrete pavement, sidewalks, retaining walls, driveway approaches, and traffic signals; and relocation of private overhead and underground utilities. Additionally, this project will implement speed reduction measures along the corridor, where possible.
Installation of a joint utility trench for private utility relocations is planned to begin in fall 2027. Private utility relocations are anticipated to be completed by summer 2028. The street construction work is planned to begin in spring 2028 and is expected to be completed in fall 2030.
Timeline for project
All of the stated times are tentative due to the project still being years away.
Preliminary and final design: Fall 2024 - Winter 2026
Bid Letting: May 2027
Construction: Spring 2028 - Fall 2030
Public Information
The second Public Information Meeting for the project took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Watch the meeting below.
For more information, contact Alin Dumachi, Senior Civil Engineer, at ADumachi@iowa-city.org or at 319-356-5143.
Dodge/Governor Protected Bike Lane Pilot Project
Project Overview
This project will add new safety features to create a protected bike lane. Crews will install flexible posts and low curb-style dividers to separate bikes from traffic. They will also add new pavement markings for the bike lanes. The improvements will be made along Dodge Street between Brown Street and Market Street, and Governor Street between Brown Street and East Jefferson Street.
The scope of work also includes the construction of one floating bus stop on Dodge Street, just north of Market Street.
The Dodge/Governor Street corridors were selected for a protected bike pilot project based on their potential to improve bike network connectivity, traffic calming, and overall safety.
A presentation on the project given to City Council on June 16, 2026, can be found online.
Projected Timeline
Public Hearing (approval of plan and specifications): June 16, 2026
Bidding: June-July 2026
Construction: August-September 2026
Project Map
Project Contact
Alin Dumachi, Senior Engineer
319-356-5143
ADumachi@iowa-city.org
FY2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Project Overview
The project will repave several neighborhood streets and upgrade key infrastructure. Crews will lay new 3-inch asphalt, repair deeper damaged areas, replace sanitary sewer manholes, update storm intake tops, and install new sidewalks and ADA‑accessible curb ramps.
Improvements will take place at the following locations:
Pine Street
Ash Street
Franklin Street
Yewell Street (between Deforest Avenue and Ginter Avenue)
Construction is anticipated to begin Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and be completed by fall 2026. Impacted residents may have limited driveway access during construction and will be notified prior to any driveway impacts.
This project includes an approximately 0.9-mile long, 10-foot-wide multiuse trail segment along U.S. Highway 6 between Broadway Street and Fairmeadows Boulevard. This infill segment will complete the multi-use trail from Riverfront Crossings Park to Heinz Road. The proposed trail will provide connectivity with intersecting streets and adjacent businesses and neighborhoods.
Project Timeline
First Public Meeting: March 25, 2026
Design: 2026
Construction: 2027
Project Map
Contact
Joe Welter, Senior Engineer
City of Iowa City - Engineering Division
319-356-5144 JWelter@iowa-city.org
Iowa River Trail Bridge Replacement Project
The project replaces a trail bridge in a section of the Iowa River Trail just north of Benton Street. The project also installs a segmental block retaining wall.
May 2026 update
The Iowa River Trail Bridge project experienced delays during the 2025 construction season. As a result the project is anticipated to resume and substantially completed during the summer of 2026. A signed detour for the trail is posted while construction resumes.
A public meeting to discuss this project will be held from 6-7 p.m. July 23, 2024, at Helling Conference Room in City Hall.
Kitty Lee Road - Functional Design Project
Kitty Lee Road - Functional Design Project
Project Summary
This project is for producing a Functional Design for the reconstruction of Kitty Lee Road between Highway 1 and its northern terminus including the intersection with Highway 1.
The Functional Design is not a detailed construction plan. Instead, the Functional Design is part of a necessary process to gain a better understanding of how Kitty Lee Road could be improved to connect to any future development in the area. This includes determining which improvements are needed for Kitty Lee Road to be used as an adequate secondary access for the future Carson Farms development that is currently in the planning phase.
Presently there are no definite plans to reconstruct Kitty Lee Road. It is understood that if future development occurs, it may facilitate the need to improve Kitty Lee Road to provide access and support for the development. General improvements to Kitty Lee Road would include new concrete street pavement, stormwater management and drainage infrastructure, new sanitary sewer, and new water mains.
Informational Meetings
The public is encouraged to share thoughts and concerns with Iowa City staff about the proposed Functional Design. Serval special public meetings are planned to be held for those interested to meet with City Staff to learn more about the project.
Kitty Lee Road resides adjacent to the City of Iowa corporate city limits. Due to the proximity to Iowa City, any improvements on Kitty Lee Road must meet the requirements of Iowa City street design standards should later the road be ever be annexed. Annexation is a real possibility for the future of Kitty Lee Road. However, any road improvements to Kitty Lee Road do not directly facilitate annexation.
What happens after the completion of the Functional Design?
The Functional Design is archived after completion. The purpose of the Functional Design is to have a guide ready to use in the event Kitty Lee Road needs to be reconstructed or improved in the future to support development. If future development occurs, a detailed Construction Design will then be made for Kitty Lee Road using the concepts reviewed in the Functional Design.
Will my property be annexed?
Annexation is independent of the Functional Design for Kitty Lee Road. Annexation is a real possibility for the future of Kitty Lee Road. However, this process is driven by requests for annexation in a specific area. A decision would be made for annexation based on voluntary and involuntary properties’ contributing acreage within the area desired for annexation. Annexation could occur before, during, or even after Kitty Lee Road is ever reconstructed.
When is Kitty Lee Road to be reconstructed?
The future development of the surrounding area is what is driving the need for reconstruction. The developments would need a better road to handle the increase in vehicle loading and traffic if it needs a connection to Kitty Lee Road. However, if development starts elsewhere then it is possible Kitty Lee Road may not initially see much of any improvements.
Landfill Compost Facility Improvements and Expansion Project
Landfill Compost Facility Improvements and Expansion Project
The current Iowa City Landfill compost facility infrastructure (e.g. pad, roadways, and storm sewer) needs replacement. Additionally, the site is too small to accommodate current and future operations.
This project expands the current facility from approximately five to seven acres. The project improves the facility by adding a new detention basin and storm sewer network including a storm water treatment unit. The final facility will include better spacing and traffic flow by having specific areas for composting operations as well as areas for the public to drop off compostable materials and pick up finished compost.
The availability of compost will be limited during construction.
Project Timeline
Construction: April – August 2026
The project will be done in phases. The timeframe for each phase will not be established until after the award of the contract by City Council, which is planned for Feb. 17, 2026. Below is a description of the project phases.
Phase One (east half of the site, shown in red): Mobilization of the general contractor and setup of the construction site; removal of existing surfaces on east side of the site; construction of the new basin and storm sewers; and access roadways and final paving in this phase area.
Phase Two (middle area, shown in blue): access roadways and final paving in this phase area.
Phase Three (west area, shown in green): Access roadways and final paving in this phase area. A temporary gravel roadway will be established in this phase to maintain access to the previously completed improvements.
North Dodge Street and ACT Circle Intersection Improvements Project
Project Overview
The project includes widening of Dodge Street between Scott Boulevard and Interstate 80 and installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Dodge Street and ACT Circle. This work is being done to address sight distance issues, signal warrants, and the anticipated development of the former ACT campus.
This project also includes replacement of sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water main, and sidewalks. Design of the project will take place in 2026 with construction planned for 2026 and 2027.
Timeline
Preliminary and Final Design: Fall 2025-Spring 2026
Bid Letting: July 2026
Construction: 2026-2027
Public Information Meeting
A public information meeting for the project took place on May 7, 2026. A recording of the meeting can be viewed online.
The project includes the reconstruction of North Gilbert Street from just south of the intersection with Kimball Road and to and including the intersection with Brown Street. This section of street will be replaced with new concrete pavement and curb. Existing brick street sections will be restored back to the original bricks at the end of construction. The project also includes the undergrounding of aerial utilities, new sanitary sewer, new storm sewer extensions, minor watermain adjustments, new sidewalks and retaining walls, new concrete driveway approaches, and some regrading work. The final steps of the project will include site restoration including grass seeding and general construction cleanup.
Tentative Schedule
Relocation and Undergrounding of Private Utilities: October 2024 - End of 2024
Major Street Construction Start Date: Spring 2025
Major Street Construction End Date: Fall 2025
Grass and Plantings Final Restoration and Minor Construction: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
Before major street reconstruction activities commence, private utilities such as electric and telephone/fiber will be relocated and undergrounded. The objective is to eliminate overhead lines and prepare for the street reconstruction work. There may be temporary closing or restricted lanes during this activity.
Starting in Spring 2025, different sections of North Gilbert Street and the intersection with Brown Street will be closed and/or have restricted lane traffic to accommodate reconstruction activity. The City anticipates major street construction will be completed in Fall 2025 with final restoration work (grass seeding, mulching, patching, and other final cleanup activities, etc.) wrapping up in Fall 2025 and may extend into Spring 2026. North Gilbert Street will be closed at times to facilitate paving and utility crossing. All properties will be notified in advance of timeframe potential limited access.
Upcoming Public Information Meetings
It is in the City’s interest to effectively communicate with property residents and the general public regarding the project proposed construction, the use of the street travel, and the needs of the community. Therefore, several meetings are planned to provide the community with the opportunity to learn about the planned improvements and provide comments.
First Public Information Meeting was held in November 2022 (Topic: Concept Discussion and Comments)
Traffic Calming Program: A new webpage is currently under construction. A link to this new webpage will be posted when available. In the meantime, feel free to contact Sarah Walz by phone at 319-356-5239 or by email at swalz@iowa-city.org for any questions.
Third Public Information Meeting was held in September 2024. (Topic: Utility Undergrounding Plan Discussion, Final Improvement Plan Discussion, and Comments)
Private aerial utilities will be relocated underground providing a more aesthetic look and improving reliability service by providing better protection from severe weather
The new concrete roadway will provide a safer travel surface for vehicles. A new street curb and gutter will help convey stormwater to new storm water intakes in the street which will help reduce stormwater eroding and overwhelming the traffic paths.
Both sides of the street is anticipated to be constructed with 5-foot wide sidewalks that will be provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant pedestrian pathways. The new sidewalks will provide better connectivity to other sidewalks along the adjoining streets.
Parts of the intersection of North Gilbert Street and Brown Street will be restored with reinstalling the brick pavers with a new concrete curb and gutter over a new concrete base while preserving the historic character of Brown Street.
New sanitary sewer mains and manholes will be installed, replacing the existing aging system below the street
How long will my home (or business) be impacted?
At this time, it is anticipated it is anticipated private utility relocation and undergrounding activities will likely take place in the Fall of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2024. Major street reconstruction activities are planned to occur in the Spring of 2025 and last till the Fall of 2025. During major construction, the street will periodically need to be closed or have reduced access depending on the activity being done. When access or service will be impacted, the resident will be notified ahead and will be provided with more specific information on the duration of the impact.
How will I be able to access my home (or business) during construction?
Due to the nature of the proposed construction activity, homes with direct access to North Gilbert Street will be impacted, however, the project engineers will work to reduce impacts to properties by staging work were possible and provide installation of temporary gravel access drives. Short durations of driveway closures will be necessary for some sidewalk, utility installations, and reconstruction of the driveway approaches. A meeting will be scheduled with individual residents and businesses directly accessing North Gilbert Street to discuss access requirements and impacts.
What will the impact be on me or my property?
Some common or typical impacts include:
During construction, which is normally limited to the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, there will be typical construction noise and dust. However, due to the critical timing for concrete saw cutting, there may be times concrete saw cutting may be required to be done during off-hours.
Construction is intended to be limited to the City Right-of-Way as much as possible. However, there may be locations along the project where additional space is needed for the proper and safe construction of the proposed improvements. In these areas a temporary construction easement may be required.
There may be existing plantings, trees, bushes, retaining walls, and other things in the City Right-of-Way that may need to be removed to make room for the installation of the improvements. Any removals will be communicated with the property owner ahead of time.
Installation of new sanitary and storm sewer is not expected to directly impact service to property owners, however, should during the construction an issue is discovered (for example: a water service line was accidently damaged during excavation) there may be some service impact. Any non-emergency or anticipated impacts in service will be communicated with the property owner prior to the service being impacted.
Who will the contractor be?
After the project design is complete, the City will advertise for Contractors to review the plans and submit bids for construction. After bids are received, the bids will be reviewed, and City Public Works staff will recommend award to the City Council based on the bid results. This process is anticipated for the Winter of 2024/2025
What might cause delays?
Excavating for a new roadway and utility installations may turn up a few surprises such as abandoned and unknown utility lines. As with any construction project, the weather is a factor that can cause delays at all phases of construction.
Project Contact
Tyler Olson – Civil Engineer
City of Iowa City – Engineering Division
319-356-5416 TOlson@iowa-city.org
Taft Avenue Improvements Project
Project Overview
The City of Iowa City seeks to improve Taft Avenue between American Legion Road and Lower West Branch Road. The improvements will include reconstructing the roadway as an urban street with a concrete curb and storm sewer, a 10’ wide paved sidewalk, watermain and sanitary sewer extensions, and bicycle lanes. A similar project was recently completed on the adjacent American Legion Road. Design of the project will continue into 2026. Private utility relocations will likely start in 2026 with construction planned for 2027 and 2028.
Project Map
Tentative Schedule
Public meetings
Nov. 21, 2024
Sept. 30, 2025
Spring 2026
Winter 2026/2027
Private utility relocations: 2026
Complete final design: late summer 2026
Construction: 2027-2028
Project Benefits
Improved driving conditions
The new concrete roadway will provide a better driving surface and will reduce the public impact and the cost from maintenance as the annual chip seal will no longer be required. The existing narrow shoulders and ditching will also be replaced with new curb and gutter as well as storm sewer.
Multimodal accommodations
The 10-foot-wide sidewalk and bicycle lanes will provide a safe location for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel. In addition, these improvements will better connect the various side streets and existing trails in the area.
Provide for current traffic and future development
Traffic along Taft Avenue has increased in the past 20 years. While there is no definitive schedule for future development, the area east of Taft Avenue is anticipated to develop. Any new development will likely bring with it an increase in traffic. The improved roadway will better handle existing and future traffic volumes. In addition, provisions are included for future sanitary sewer and water main connections.
Underground utilities
The private aerial utilities in the area are planned to be moved underground. Locating the
utilities underground improves aesthetic appeal and reliability as they are better protected from severe weather.
Public Information Meetings
Several public information meetings will be held for the Taft Avenue Improvements Project. The
purpose of these meetings is to both share information with property owners and residents as well
as for the City to receive feedback on the proposed improvements. Increased communication helps
residents and property owners know what to expect and for the City to understand any potential
comments and concerns regarding the project.
Public Information Meeting #1 – November 21, 2024
Preliminary Plans & Property Impact Discussion.
The preliminary plans and property impacts were shared with the group. The meeting allowed
residents and property owners the opportunity to review the proposed improvements and impacts as well as to ask questions and provide feedback to City and Consultant staff.
Public Information Meeting #2 – September 30, 2025
Plan Update and General Staging Discussion.
Revised project plans will be shared, including the general construction staging plans. This
meeting will be another opportunity for residents and owners to review the plans, including
changes, and ask questions and provide feedback.
Public Information Meeting #3 – Spring 2026
Construction Plan Discussion.
This meeting will share an updated construction schedule and more detailed construction staging and traffic control plans prior to the start of major construction.
Public Information Meeting #4 – Winter 2026 / 2027
Construction Plan Update Discussion.
This meeting will be similar to Meeting #3 and will provide an update on the construction schedule
and staging. It will also provide information that will give residents and property owners an idea
of what to expect during construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the City look to acquire any of my land?
The City will look to acquire land for the construction of the project. There are three types of
land acquisition that may occur. The first is a Permanent Acquisition to establish the 95-foot-wide
right-of-way for the roadway corridor. The second is a Temporary Construction Easement to allow the contractor space for proper and safe construction. The last is a Utility Easement that will provide a location for utilities to be located. A third-party property valuation service is used to value
properties for each type of acquisition. Each property will have varying acquisition needs, with
some requiring no acquisition and some requiring all three. An exhibit with specific information for
each property was available at Public Information Meeting #1. As the design is finalized, impacts to
properties could change and those changes will be communicated to property owners at subsequent public information meetings and during property impact negotiations.
When will construction occur?
Most construction will occur in 2027 and 2028. This is a change to the schedule presented at the
first public information meeting where that initial schedule had construction starting in 2026. Some
work (such as utility relocation, tree removals, etc.) may occur prior to this window, and some
(grass seeding, plantings, etc.) may occur after this window. There will be typical construction
noise occurring during working hours, which are normally restricted to the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, there may be noise outside of these hours due to the critical timing of saw cutting new concrete pavement.
How will construction affect access to my property?
The project will have a traffic control and staging plan in place to reduce the impacts to nearby
homes and businesses during construction. While subject to change during the design process, the
high-level plan is to close portions of Taft Avenue to through traffic and enact a detour for the
through traffic. It is likely that construction will be concentrated south of Court Street one year
and north of Court Street the other. Property access will be mostly unchanged for those who do not have a direct connection to Taft Avenue. For those who do have a direct connection, the contractor typically provides a temporary access route. The City and Foth will discuss access needs with those who are affected.
Will construction impact features on my property?
There may be existing features on properties that are affected, particularly if they are close to
the right of way. Some of the potentially impacted features include trees, shrubs, fences, and
gardens. Each property will have differing impacts due to existing conditions, land acquisition, and
the adjacent proposed improvements. The anticipated impacts were shown on the property exhibits shared at Public Information Meeting #1. As the design is finalized, impacts to properties could change and those changes will be communicated to property owners at subsequent public information meetings and during property impact negotiations. One-on-one meetings can be scheduled for any owner or resident who has additional questions or would like to meet in person at their property.
Which contractor will construct the improvements?
Once the design is complete, the City will advertise the project for contractors to review the
plans and submit construction bids. The submitted bids will be reviewed and City staff will
recommend award to the City Council based on the bid results. This process is anticipated to occur
during the fall of 2026.
Will my property be assessed to fund these improvements?
This project will be funded through the Capital Improvements Program and no costs will be assessed to adjacent properties.
Dodge Street Reconstruction Project