Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements

News: Construction re-started in April 2019.
For more information, see "Updates" below.

Coral Ridge Avenue Improvements: Oakdale Boulevard to Forevergreen Road


Coral Ridge Avenue from Oakdale Boulevard to Forevergreen Road underwent total reconstruction in 2018 and will continue in spring 2019. This is the final section of Coral Ridge Avenue that needs to be improved.
  1. Highlights
  2. Cost
  3. 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
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

At a Glance


Final improvements to be completed in spring 2019:
  • The initial focus is to 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
Spring 2019 traffic impact:
  • Expect lane closures, with efforts to minimize traffic impact
  • Traffic runs head-to-head on the west half of Coral Ridge Avenue between University Parkway and Forevergreen, similar to the traffic control setup last fall, from April until mid-to-late May. The speed limit is reduced to 35 MPH where traffic control devices are installed.
  • From mid-to-late May until the project is substantially complete in late June, Coral Ridge Avenue traffic will shift to single lanes northbound and southbound, but on the correct side of the center median.  Northbound and southbound Coral Ridge Avenue will generally remain one lane until project completion to give contractors room to work beyond the curbs or within the center median. 
Side street closures (see image below)
  • 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.

Side street closures

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

Updates


Current & Upcoming Work*


Work April 4-11 included:
  • Paved northbound Coral Ridge Avenue through the Wheaton Road intersection.
  • Paved additional sections of the east and west legs of University Parkway.
  • Continued with center median brick paver installation north of University Parkway.
  • Continued with traffic signal wiring Forevergreen Road.
  • Started excavating stormwater bio-retention cells along the east side of Coral Ridge Avenue.  There are 27 cells (17 on the east side; 10 on the west side)
  • Continued light pole base installation along the east side of Coral Ridge Avenue between Oakdale Boulevard and University Parkway. 
Expected April 11-18, weather permitting:
  • Continue paving at the Wheaton Road and University Parkway intersections.
  • Continue excavating the stormwater bio-retention cells.
  • Continue installing light pole foundations and running electrical wires.
  • Continue center median brick paver installation.
  • Install field fence and permanent seeding along slope west of new trail between University Parkway and Forevergreen Road.
Looking ahead
  • The current traffic setup is expected to remain in place until mid-to-late May.
  • The Coral Ridge Ave project has a substantial completion date of June 28, 2019. 
*Updated April 11, 2019
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. 12th Avenue Lane Closure on Bridge over I-80

    Temporary lane reduction scheduled for April 24 from approximately 9:00 am until 3:00 pm Read on...

  2. Construction to Resume on Coral Ridge Avenue

    Construction on Coral Ridge Ave. between Oakdale Blvd. and Forevergreen Rd. will start again on April 2 Read on...

  1. Construction to Resume on 1st Avenue

    Work on the final remaining improvements for 1st Avenue from 6th Street to 9th Street will start again on April 1 Read on...
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