Watch for these 6 road construction projects in Iowa City

Road construction season is upon us, and Iowa City has numerous projects in the works or planned soon, including on Court Street, Orchard Street and Melrose Avenue.

The projects consist of repairs such as replacing street and sidewalk pavement, upgrading sanitary and storm sewer, and increasing buffered bike lanes. Some are ongoing; others will start this spring or summer. One will get underway in 2024. 

Jason Havel, Iowa City engineer, said specific road impacts will depend on the project and what streets will be closed. 

The majority of projects will take years to complete and have been planned for a long period of time. 

Havel encourages Iowa City residents to have patience while projects are being completed and roads may be closed.

 “Detours may happen at times, but these projects will really help the long term development of Iowa City,” he said. 

Here is a look at six big road projects coming to Iowa City: 

Rochester Avenue Reconstruction

Construction begins: June 

Construction ends: December 2023

What the project consists of: Pavement reconstruction, sanitary and storm sewer improvement, sidewalk improvements.

Melrose Avenue Road Improvement Plan

Construction began: July 12, 2021

Estimated completion date: November

What the project consists of: Water main extension, private driveway and road improvements

2nd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

Tentative construction schedule: April-October

What the project consists of: Improve the existing 2nd Avenue bridge over Ralston Creek, including the structure