Local news- Press Release
Cedar Rapids City of Five Seasons IO - Mount Vernon Road SE Improvements to Resume March 11 07 March 2024 ( news )
Cedar Rapids City of Five Seasons , state IO ( By Press Release office)
Mar 07,2024
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Starting Monday , March 11 , improvement projects will resume along Mount Vernon Road SE .
This year’s work on Mount Vernon Road will include two projects: the
Paving for Progress project , which began work last year and stretches from 14th to 20th Street; and the Mount Vernon Road SE/8th Avenue reconstruction project , which spans from 8th to 14th Street and includes construction of a roundabout at the 10th Street intersection .
For the Mount Vernon Road SE from 14th Street to 20th Street Paving for Progress project:
This year’s utility and roadway improvements will focus on the area from 17th Street SE to 20th Street .
Traffic impacts will begin on Monday , March 11 , with the center lanes closed and traffic running in the outside lanes between 17th and 20th Streets .
Multiple lane shifts will occur throughout construction . Notification will be provided with each change .
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction at all times .
The project is expected to be complete later this year .
This year’s project will compete improvements that began along Mount Vernon Road SE last year , including pavement widening , raised medians with aesthetic improvements , new sidewalk and existing sidewalk repairs; sidewalk ramps; an asphalt overlay; storm sewer , sanitary sewer , and water improvements; traffic signal upgrades; and traffic - safety alterations to the 19th Street intersection . The portion between 14th and 17th Streets was completed last year .
For the Mount Vernon Road SE/8th Avenue Reconstruction Project:
This project spans from 8th Street SE to 14th Street .
Traffic impacts will begin on Monday , March 18 .
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction at all times .
Multiple lane shifts may occur throughout the project .
14th Street SE will be closed between Mount Vernon Road and 8th Avenue . No traffic access at the Mount Vernon Road/14th Street intersection .
Access to Mercy Hospital will remain open at all times with directional signage in place .
Enhancements throughout the project area include a new roundabout , concrete pavers , retaining walls , and updated street lighting .
The planned roundabout at 10th Street includes a landscaped center island and will enhance pedestrian safety , walkability , and connectivity . All pedestrian crossings will have safety flashing beacons and refuge areas where pedestrians can safely wait to complete their crossings . The roundabout design also reduces the number of vehicular turning movements and the number of directions pedestrians must consider when crossing the streets . Roundabouts reduce potential conflict areas that commonly cause vehicle collisions , improve the flow of traffic for vehicles , and reduce speeds through the intersection — improving safety .
The project is within the MedQuarter ( MedQ ) Self - Supported Municipal Improvement District ( SSMID ) . MedQ , which oversees street aesthetics in their district , collaborated with City staff early in the design phase to align aesthetic expectations with their Master Parkway Improvement Plan . As part of this process , homeowners , businesses , and neighborhood associations were invited to design workshops hosted by the SSMID and City staff . The SSMID chose upgraded materials over the City’s standard construction materials and will cover the associated increased costs .
The completion of these two projects will mark a significant milestone in enhancing this bustling gateway entry into the MedQ and Downtown areas .
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About Paving for Progress
Paving for Progress allocates about $20 million each year solely for the maintenance , repair , construction , and reconstruction of public streets . The program is funded by a voter - approved , one - percent sales tax for street repairs , initially passed in November 2013 , extended in November 2021 , and set to expire in 2034 . Learn more about this and other Paving for Progress projects at
CityofCR . com/PavingForProgress
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