Construction of the 2020–21 project segment of 1st Avenue East is complete, between 27th Street and 34th Street. This marks the final milestone in a multi-year improvement program on 1st Avenue East. Planning for the full project started around 2011. The program included a comprehensive community visioning process and construction over multiple phases.

Project phases included utilities infrastructure overhauls, including burying of overhead power lines, water main, sanitary and storm sewer replacement; new and ADA-improved sidewalk connections with safer vehicle entrances; realigned intersections; improved street parking; new pavement surface between 27th Street and 40th Street; and completing the final gap along the Cedar Rapids portion of the CeMar Trail.

The full project, from 27th Street to 40th Street, cost an estimated $26 million. Major funding sources included Federal and State grants, general obligation bonds, and Water and Sanitary Sewer capital improvements revenue. Approximately $1.2 million in local option sales tax dollars were used to fund limited pavement repairs, or less than five percent of the total project cost.

Thank you for your patience as we have worked diligently to improve one of the most-traveled roadways in Cedar Rapids.