This release was published on March 8, 2023 via the City of Coralville website.
Beginning Monday, March 20, 2023, major construction gets underway to reconstruct the 1st Avenue and I-80 interchange (Exit 242) into a diverging diamond interchange. Northbound and southbound 1st Avenue traffic will shift to the west side of 1st Avenue crossing over I-80 and will be reduced to one lane in each direction (head-to-head). See the graphic at the bottom or visit the City of Coraville’s website. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and plan accordingly.
1st Avenue traffic will be head-to-head crossing over I-80 into late 2024 for bridge demolition and construction of two, separate bridges over I-80. The easterly bridge should be completed late fall 2023. 1st Avenue traffic will then shift onto the new easterly bridge, but will remain head-to-head as the remaining west half of 1st Avenue over I-80 is reconstructed. The westerly bridge should be completed in fall 2024. All permanent lanes at the diverging diamond interchange, including the interstate ramps, are expected to open by December 2024.
Pedestrian access along 1st Avenue crossing over I-80 will be maintained at all times during construction. Pedestrian access will be along the west side of 1st Avenue until late 2023 or early 2024, when the pedestrian access will move to the east side of 1st Avenue.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is managing this project. Please check their 511ia.org website for project updates and real-time traffic conditions.
For additional information and resources, please visit the City of Coralville website.
The Iowa River Landing encourages guests to utilize the E 7th St. or E 2nd Ave entrance to avoid construction-related traffic delays.
