Emma Koehler
AGvocate Digitalist Visionary
Cedar Falls Main Street reconstruction planning complete
Project to highlight and bring efficiency to visiting downtown
EMMA KOEHLER
2022
A 20 million dollar renovation of Main Street extending from Seerly Boulevard into downtown Cedar Falls will begin in 2023. Due to deteriorating pavement and maintable traffic, the route is in need of a facelift. The community hopes this renovation will increase safety while still allowing constant traffic and improve the experience of visiting downtown Cedar Falls.
Project manager with Foth Engineering, Aaron Moniza explained, “The genisis of the project was, the pavement is right at its end of its useful life and I think it’s the right timing [for reconstruction].”
Reconstruction will be inputting use of three roundabouts along Main Street, at intersections of Seerly Boulevard, 18th street and 12th street. Bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, bus stops, and updated lighting will all be implemented. Underground, there will also be storm, sewer and water drain upgrades. Upon entering the downtown district, a gateway will be added to welcome visitors and draw attention to the area.
“The project land improvements are drawn from a traffic study completed in 2017, which noted that, since the completion of Iowa 58, traffic volumes along Main Street have held steady; around 10,000 vehicles per day,” stated a video on the reconstruction project.
The project is summed up in four phases with the first phase, Phase I, starting in the spring of 2023 where construction will begin at Seerly Boulevard. Phase II will start later in 2023 and expand to 18th and 12th street. Phases III and IV will follow in 2024 to finish the rest of the area.
“Projects like this, it’s like a puzzle and you try to find the best way to put that puzzle together so you can keep things moving as fast as you can but, in this case, maintain traffic and access to businesses,” said Moniza.
In a public informational meeting on Oct. 4, city officials and design engineer company, Foth, met with community members on the proposed plan. A presentation was prepared that described, in depth, the plan of reconstruction of Main Street and city officials and engineers devoted their time to conversing and answering questions from citizens. Main concerns involved the amount of construction at times as well as specific property questions.
“At first, I was worried about the width of the street because with our property, we don’t have a big front yard as it is and we have two very beautiful trees. Come to find out, a few more phases into the project, they’re taking all the trees due to replacement of the water main,” a homeowner with property along Main Street shared.
Neighbor and mother with kids who cross the street added, “We hope it slows down traffic and when we cross over, it’s very scary. Since it’s a roundabout, we’re worried that there’s not going to be a break in traffic. Currently, if you time it right, you can cross the street with no traffic because the lights will stop traffic.”
City officials and engineers addressed these concerns and more the best they could, at this time. There is still some time before construction breaks ground in 2023.
“It’s hard to guage everyone, but generally I feel folks have a mix of excitement but knowing that construction can be inconvenient and it can be noisy. But once we get past it, it will be a beautiful corridor,” said Moniza.