Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements

News: All four lanes on Coral Ridge Avenue are scheduled to open on December 19. 
For more information, see "Updates" below.

Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements: Oakdale Boulevard to Forevergreen Road


Coral Ridge Avenue from Oakdale Boulevard to Forevergreen Road is undergoing total reconstruction in 2018. This is the final section of Coral Ridge Avenue that needs to be improved.
Coral Ridge Ave Improvements

Contact Us

  1. Dan Holderness


    City Engineer
    Email

    Scott Larson


    Assistant City Engineer
    Email

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

    Ph: 319.248.1720
    Fx: 319.248.1894

    Staff Directory

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

Cost


  • Bid in January 2018
  • Low bid: $8,451,528.03 (Peterson Contractors Inc. of Reinbeck, Iowa)
  • Funding: The Iowa Department of Transportation is contributing $1.7 million, with the balance coming from local funds and assessments. The City of North Liberty is also contributing funds since a portion of the project is located within North Liberty.

Timeline


  • Start:  March 2018
  • Estimated completion: December 2018, weather permitting (driving lanes, trail, and traffic signals)
  • Landscaping and final work: Spring 2019, weather permitting
ROAD WORK sign

Traffic Impact on Coral Ridge Avenue


  • There are traffic delays
  • One lane of traffic is maintained in each direction through the project corridor
  • Detour (mid-May through mid-November): Coral Ridge Avenue traffic detours using Oakdale Boulevard, Crosspark Road, and Wheaton Road to give the contractor full access to this section of the roadway. This temporary closure speeds up the project timeline.
  • Access to businesses is maintained at all times
  • Pedestrian access is maintained using temporary surfacing and channelizing barriers

Coral Ridge Avenue northbound beginning December 19

Coral Ridge Ave northbound

Project corridor through winter

Coral Ridge Ave access closed at University Pkwy and at Wheaton Rd.

Updates


Current & Upcoming Work*

All four through lanes on Coral Ridge Ave are scheduled to open Wednesday, December 19.  Once all four lanes open, note the following as you drive northbound:
  • As you pass northbound through the Wheaton Road intersection, the left lane will be signed LEFT TURN ONLY lane and the right lane will be signed THRU TRAFFIC lane
  • 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 not be paved until next spring.  It will remain barricaded through winter.  
  • The left lane will be LEFT TURN ONLY
  • The middle lane will be THRU TRAFFIC ONLY
  • The right lane will be RIGHT TURN ONLY
  • Pavement markings, signage, and digital message boards will be used to reinforce lane usage approaching Forevergreen Road
  • The traffic signal heads will be adjusted to line up with the appropriate lanes
Recently completed work:
  • The decision was made to wait until spring to pour the northbound Coral Ridge Avenue left turn lane at Forevergreen Road due to concerns about frozen subgrade.
  • Completed additional pavement markings and traffic control adjustments. 
  • Continued with roadway light bases and poles:
    • The west side of Coral Ridge Avenue is illuminated from Oakdale Boulevard to University Parkway. 
    • The east side of Coral Ridge Avenue is illuminated from University Parkway to halfway between University Parkway and Wheaton Road.  
    • Light pole installation along the east side continues north to Forevergreen Road and those lights should be energized later the week of December 17. 
  • The electrical contractor will then focus on installing the permanent traffic signals at Forevergreen Road, followed by the traffic signals at Wheaton Road.  After the signals are complete, the contractor will focus on completing the remaining roadway lighting.   
What Coral Ridge Avenue will look like through winter:
  • All four through lanes on Coral Ridge Avenue will be open (short duration lane reductions may be needed as light pole installation continues).  
  • The east and west legs of Coral Ridge Avenue & University Parkway (including IMCC’s northerly entrance) will remain closed.  
  • Wheaton Road will remain closed between Coral Ridge Avenue and Crosspark Road.
  • The traffic signals at Coral Ridge Avenue & Forevergreen Road will be adjusted to allow the northbound and southbound through lanes to move at the same time. Currently, the north and south traffic movements run separately here due to the lack of left turn lanes. 
Coral Ridge Ave weekly meeting

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"
  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

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


  1. Coral Ridge Avenue Re-Opens on November 16

    Expect one lane of traffic in each direction between Oakdale Blvd. & Forevergreen Rd. Read on...

  2. 6th Street Connection to 1st Avenue to Re-Open on September 18

    Use caution through the work zone and watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction workers Read on...

  3. Construction to Begin on 1st Avenue from 6th Street to 9th Street

    Northbound 1st Avenue will be reduced to one lane from just south of 6th Street to just south of 9th Street Read on...

  1. Two Major Road Reconstruction Projects Begin This Spring

    Drivers should prepare for 1st Avenue & Coral Ridge Avenue road work Read on...

  2. Iowa River Trail Closure

    Trail between the Iowa River Power Restaurant parking lot & E. 7th Street/Quarry Road intersection closed until further notice Read on...
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