Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements

Highlights
Cost
Timeline

Highlights

This widened one mile stretch of Coral Ridge Avenue features:

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*

Progress September 6-13, 2019, included:

Completed relocation of the traffic signal pole on the southeast corner of University Parkway.
Completed median nose repairs on east and south legs of Coral Ridge Avenue & Oakdale Boulevard intersection.
Continued planting trees, included replacing some from last year that didn’t survive.
Continued the corner pedestrian landings on the southeast corner at University Parkway, and the southeast and southwest corners at Forevergreen Road. The concrete for the three corners should be poured September 14.

Progress expected September 16-20, weather permitting:

Complete corner pedestrian landings on the west leg of the Wheaton Road intersection.
Continue/complete corner pedestrian landings at the Forevergreen Road intersection.
Finish remaining pavement marking symbols.

Looking ahead:

Final landscaping will continue through September (fall seeding period is August 10 to September 30).
A final determination on what sections of the west side trail need to be replaced has been delayed until the full contractor team is available for a meeting the week of September 16.
A short section of curb and gutter on northbound Coral Ridge Avenue over the new pedestrian tunnel needs to be replaced due to ponding water after rain events. That work will require a lane closure, but the exact time frame for the work has not been set.

*Updated September 13, 2019

At a Glance

Final improvements to be completed in spring/summer 2019:

Complete final street, median, and sidewalk construction on the east half of Coral Ridge Avenue between University Parkway and Forevergreen Road
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

Summer 2019 traffic impact:

Expect lane closures, with efforts to minimize traffic impact
Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction through most of the project corridor until the project nears completion.

Street closures

The east leg of Coral Ridge Avenue & University Parkway is closed. Traffic leaving the Iowa Medical and Classification Center will need to turn north or south onto Coral Ridge Avenue.

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: