Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements

Highlights
Cost
Timeline

Highlights

After work is complete, this widened one mile stretch of Coral Ridge Avenue will feature:

Four lanes (widened from the current two lanes), with a raised center median and dedicated turn lanes at all intersections
Upgraded traffic signals at both Oakdale Boulevard and Forevergreen Road
New traffic signals at both University Parkway and Wheaton Road
New pedestrian tunnel just north of Oakdale Boulevard
New 10' trail along the west side of Coral Ridge Avenue
New storm sewer system and stormwater quality enhancements
Roadway lighting and landscaping

Updates

Current & Upcoming Work*
Four through lanes are open:

All four through lanes on Coral Ridge Avenue are open.
The east and west legs of Coral Ridge Avenue & University Parkway (including IMCC’s northerly entrance) are closed.
Wheaton Road is closed between Coral Ridge Avenue and Crosspark Road.
As you near Forevergreen Road, northbound Coral Ridge Avenue widens to three lanes (see image). The area shaded red is the permanent northbound left turn lane that will be paved in spring 2019. It will remain barricaded through winter.
- Message boards on northbound Coral Ridge Avenue approaching Forevergreen Road read THRU TRAFFIC…RIGHT LANE.
- Pavement markings, signage, and digital message boards are used to reinforce lane usage approaching Forevergreen Road
- The traffic signal heads are adjusted to line up with the appropriate lanes. The traffic signals at Coral Ridge Avenue & Forevergreen Road allow the northbound and southbound through lanes to move at the same time.

Major work items to be completed in winter 2018-2019 (as conditions allow):

New traffic signals at the Forevergreen Road and Wheaton Road intersections. Both are expected to be complete by late February 2019, but Wheaton Road will remain closed until additional paving is completed in spring 2019.
Ongoing roadway lighting installation

Final improvements to be completed in spring 2019:

Roadway lighting
Remaining intersection paving at University Parkway, Wheaton Road, and Forevergreen Road
Streetscaping at all intersections
Sidewalk and trail connections, including through the new pedestrian underpass north of Oakdale Boulevard
Stormwater bio-retention cells along both sides of Coral Ridge Avenue to help remove pollutants from street runoff
Final landscaping, including street trees

Looking ahead (work expected to re-start April 1, 2019):

Drivers should expect lane closures in spring 2019, but efforts will be made to minimize traffic impact
The initial focus will be on completing final street, median, and sidewalk construction on the east half of Coral Ridge Avenue between University Parkway and Forevergreen Road
- This requires running traffic head-to-head on the west half of Coral Ridge Avenue between University Parkway and Forevergreen, similar to the traffic control setup last fall.
- Coral Ridge Avenue will remain in this configuration until mid-to-late May, then traffic will shift to single lanes northbound and southbound, but on the correct side of the center median, until the project is substantially complete in late June.

*Updated March 13, 2019

Merging Traffic

How to Merge Efficiently on Coral Ridge Avenue

When traffic is slow and heavy, merging too early can create traffic backups. During peak traffic times on Coral Ridge 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"

Watch for signs giving drivers notice that there is a merge ahead
Stay in your lane up to the point of merge
Take turns with drivers to safely ease into the remaining lane
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

Alberta Motor Association: "Zipper Merge Demonstration" (YouTube)
Kansas DOT: "How to Zipper Merge" (YouTube)
Minnesota DOT: "Zipper Merge Camera Traffic Instructional" (YouTube)

Pre-Project Planning

Duct Banks

In anticipation of the project, underground duct banks were proactively 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 should minimize delays caused by private utility relocations, which can be common during street projects.

Stay Informed

Sign up for e-news alerts ("Construction and Traffic Updates" category)
Like City of Coralville, Iowa on Facebook
Follow the City of Coralville, Iowa on Twitter
Join Nextdoor (a private social network for Coralville neighborhoods)
Pay attention to construction message boards along 1st Avenue during construction
Check local news for media releases
Attend weekly meetings April-June 2019 with the City and the contractors, and open to the public: