1st Avenue Improvements

1st Avenue Improvements: 6th Street to 9th Street


1st Avenue between 6th Street and 9th Street began total reconstruction in 2018 and finished in 2019. This was the final section of 1st Avenue to be improved south of Interstate 80.


Highlights


Reconstruction on this stretch of 1st Avenue featured:
  • Four through lanes and one continuous center turn lane
  • 10 foot wide sidewalks and brick paver treatments on both sides
  • Upgraded traffic signals at E. 7th Street
  • Northbound 1st Avenue right turn lane onto E. 7th Street
  • New traffic signals at 6th Street with a new four-leg intersection at 1st Avenue and 6th Street to accommodate a future connection of E. 2nd Avenue on the east leg
  • Railroad crossing signals and gates at 1st Avenue & 6th Street
  • New public utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main)
  • Lighting and streetscaping, including trees

About the Project

  1. Cost
  2. Timeline
  3. Resources
  4. Videos

Cost


  • Bid in January 2018 IDOT letting
  • Low bid: $7,186,554.84 (Langman Construction of Rock Island, Illinois) 
  • Funding: $5.1 million of Surface Transportation Program funds, and local funds

Pre-Project Planning


Duct Banks

In anticipation of the project, underground duct banks were constructed in 2017. These duct banks provided places for the private utilities companies to relocate their overhead and underground facilities to be out of the way before the 2018 improvement projects. The duct banks minimized delays caused by private utility relocations, which can be common during street projects.


How We Keep Traffic Moving


To reduce traffic delays during construction:
  • Staff monitored traffic times and adjusted the timing of traffic signals as needed to help the traffic flow on 1st Avenue
  • Installed fiber optic communications at the 1st Avenue/E. 9th Street traffic signal
  • Installed pan/tilt/zoom cameras on 1st Avenue at both 5th Street and E. 9th Street, along with existing cameras at 1st Avenue/Highway 6, to remotely monitor traffic for the project corridor and beyond
  • Repositioned the traffic detection cameras at 1st Avenue/E. 9th Street to minimize false detections
  • Installed traffic detection cameras at the 1st Avenue/Interstate 80 traffic signals to replace the in-pavement traffic detection wire loops
Finishing 1st logo

Contact Us

  1. Scott Larson


    City Engineer
    Email

    1512 7th St.
    P.O. Box 5127
    Coralville, IA  52241

    Ph: 319.248.1720
    Fx: 319.248.1894

    Staff Directory
1st Ave Construction Map 2018

Merging Traffic


How to Merge Efficiently on 1st Avenue during Construction


When traffic is slow and heavy, merging too early can create traffic backups. During peak traffic times on 1st Avenue, using a "zipper merge" can keep traffic moving and reduce traffic backups.

A "zipper merge" is when drivers use both lanes of traffic until they reach the defined merge area, and then alternate in "zipper" style into the open lane. This maximizes road space, reduces congestion, and allows both lanes to move at similar speeds.

How to "Zipper Merge"
  1. Watch for signs giving drivers notice that there is a merge ahead
  2. Stay in your lane up to the point of merge
  3. Take turns with drivers to safely ease into the remaining lane
  4. Always merge when it is safe

Merging FAQs


When is it best to use the zipper merge?
When traffic is congested and traveling at slower speeds, it is best to remain in your lane until the point where traffic can take turns merging, which is indicated by a "BEGIN MERGE" sign.

When is it best to merge early?
When traffic conditions are light and vehicles are traveling at highway speeds, it is best to merge as soon as safely possible.

Zipper Merge Resources


Take Turns sign

Stay Informed


  1. Railroad Crossing Closures adjacent to Highway 6 (2nd Street)

    During the week of October 25, four railroad crossing repairs on the Iowa Interstate Railroad will impact public streets in Coralville Read on...

  1. I-80/I-380 Systems Interchange: Ireland Ave to I-80 Eastbound Ramp Closed

    Ireland Avenue to I-80 eastbound on-ramp will be closed to traffic for up to two months beginning August 3; travel on and off I-80 westbound is not affected by this closure Read on...
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