2022 Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization's Newsletter

Connecting Communities

Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization

Join us in reflecting on this past years progress in creating a smarter transportation system for a better community. This addition of Connecting Communities showcases many different road, trail, Safe Routes to School, and transit initiatives that have been conducted throughout the metropolitan area.

A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) has had another busy year! The many different tasks that the CMPO has conducted include:

• Funding approximately $9 million towards regional transportation projects

• Initiating planning efforts for the public transportation and trail systems

• Receiving $5 million to bring the Tower Terrace Road project one step closer to completion

Each of these items above allows the Corridor MPO to live by our motto, “smarter transportation for a better community.” As the region enters the last days of this year’s construction season, we can reflect upon the many projects completed this year. Such projects include the Marion Boulevard Bridge, the 1st Avenue Road Projects, and a portion of the Morgan Creek Trail. These projects have provided critical connections for all modes of transportation. As the Chairperson for the Policy Board of the Corridor MPO, I look forward to seeing the impact of this year’s efforts come to fruition in future years.

Image by Liz Martin/ The Gazette

Mayor of Fairfax - Bernie Frieden

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

ABOUT US 5

OUR TEAM 6

2022 COMMITTEES 7

Upcoming Projects 8

Transportation Improvement Program 9

Morgan Creek Trail 10

Marion Boulevard 12

1st Avenue Road Projects 14

Tower Terrace Road 16

Safe Streets and Roads for All 17

ABOUT

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) comprises elected officials and appointed representatives of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Ely, Fairfax, and Palo.

The MPO is tasked with reviewing and approving transportation investments in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area.

Since its inception, the Corridor MPO’s primary activity has been preparing areawide plans to help guide orderly growth and development within the region.

The 2045 LRTP (Long Range Transportation Plan) is the federally required long-range strategy and capital improvement program developed to guide the effective investment of public funds in multimodal transportation facilities for the metropolitan planning organization area. The LRTP outlines the Vision and Fiscally Constrained Plans from which the region’s Transportation

Improvement Program (TIP), a shortrange capital improvement program for implementing road, trail, transit, and Safe Routes to School projects, is drawn. The Policy Board adopted the Plan on July 16, 2020.

Hiawatha

Robins Marion

Cedar Rapids

Palo

County

/ 5 Linn County

US Corridor MPO Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary Cedar Rapids, Iowa MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization)

OUR TEAM

ELIZABETH BURKE

Liz Burke’s role within the Corridor MPO is the Corridor MPO’s manager. At the MPO, you will see Liz managing the MPO’s various initiatives and plans, collaborating with our member jurisdictions to improve our transportation systems, and so much more!

Hilary Hershner’s role within the Corridor MPO is a Regional Transportation Planner. At the MPO, you will see Hilary at the Transportation Advisory Group meetings, travel demand modeling, and so much more!

ROMAN KIEFER

Roman Kiefer’s role within the Corridor MPO is a Regional Transportation Planner. At the MPO, you will see Roman at local bicycle and pedestrian meetings, working on the MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program, and so much more!

Amy Cannon’s role within the Corridor MPO is the Corridor MPO’s Administrative Assistant. At the MPO, you will see Amy corresponding with the various boards and committees within the MPO, preparing different meeting materials, and so much more!

HILARY HERSHNER

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER

AMY CANNON

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CORRIDOR MPO MANAGER

2022 COMMITTEES

Policy Board

Members

Representation

Bernie Frieden (Chair) Fairfax Mayor

Eric Van Kerckhove (Vice Chair) Palo Mayor

Adam Thompson Ely

Bill Bennett Hiawatha Mayor

Louis Zumbach Linn County Supervisor

Grant Harper Marion Council-Member

Randy Strnad Marion Council-Member

Tom Treharne Marion

Chuck Hinz Robins Mayor

Tiffany O’Donnell Cedar Rapids Mayor

Scott Olson Cedar Rapids Council-Member

Ashley Vanorny Cedar Rapids Council-Member

Scott Overland Cedar Rapids Council-Member

Jeff Pomeranz Cedar Rapids

Sandi Fowler Cedar Rapids

Bob Hammond Cedar Rapids

Ken Dekeyser Cedar Rapids

Roy Hesemann Cedar Rapids

Executive Committee

Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC)

Members Representation

Tom Peffer (Chair) Linn County Trails Assoc. John Witt (Vice Chair) Cedar Rapids

Mike Barkalow Marion Kesha Billings Marion Jon Bogert Palo Randy Burke Linn County Conservation Brad Ketels Linn County

John Fitch Hiawatha Scott Pottorff Ely Shane Wicks Fairfax Kelli Scott Robins Brenna Fall Cedar Rapids

Tim Mroch Cedar Rapids Ron Griffith Cedar Rapids

Mary Beth Stevenson Cedar Rapids Caroline Pauli Cedar Rapids Brad DeBrower Cedar Rapids

Doug Wilson Cedar Rapids Karin Kee Cedar Rapids

Haley Sevening Cedar Rapids

Members

Representation

Bernie Frieden (Chair) Fairfax

Eric Van Kerckhove (Vice Chair) Palo Adam Thompson Ely

Scott Olson Cedar Rapids

Bill Bennett Hiawatha

Louis Zumbach

Linn County

Grant Harper Marion

Chuck Hinz Robins

Cathy Cutler (non-voting) Iowa DOT Darla Hugaboom (non-voting) FHWA Daniel Nguyen (non-voting) FTA

CORRIDOR MPO

Upcoming Projects

Indian Creek Trail

CeMar Trail - Phase 5

Lucore Road Pedestrian Bridge and Sidepath Tower Terrace Road 7th Avenue Reconstruction Transit Stops

Morgan Creek Trail East of the Cedar River Morgan Creek Trail Phase 3 Grant Wood Trail Development

More projects coming soon!

Edgewood Trail - Phase 3

4th Street Trail - Segment 1

Bowling Street Trail CeMar Trail - Phase 4

Lindale Trail Extension - Phase 2

Wiley Boulevard Sidepaths Cherokee Trail - Phase 4

Sac and Fox Trail Extension - Segment 1

Tower Terrace Rd Connection to I-380 Interchange

Tower Terrace Rd and North Center Point Rd Roundabout

Prairie Creek Trail - Phase 1

6th Street Southwest Reconstruction Two Medium Buses One Paratransit Bus

Tower Terrace Rd Extension

Tower Terrace Rd Connection to I-380 Interchange

Edgewood Road Transit Stops West Willow and Taft Safe Routes to School Cleveland Elementary Safe Routes to School

City of Palo Connector Trail System

West Main Street Trail

Transportation Improvement Program

• 6th Street SW Reconstruction

• 4th Street Trail

• Bowling Street Trail

• Lucore Sidepath

• City of Palo Connector Trail System

• Cleveland Elementary Safe Routes to School project

• Two Heavy-duty Bus Replacements

• One Paratransit Bus Replacement

The total funding awarded between these projects was almost $9 million. You will begin to see these projects start construction between the years 2023 to 2026.

In 2022, Corridor MPO Staff and member jurisdictions were busy preparing the Federal Fiscal Years 2023 – 2026

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The projects awarded funding during this process include:

Funding Breakdown by

of

HillcrestSt

Morgan Creek Trail

View of Morgan Creek Trail Bridge coming from the newly constructed Morgan Creek Park south area.

JURISDICTION

After many years of planning, designing, and engineering, construction of the Morgan Creek trail has begun. In 2021, the portion of Morgan Creek Trail through Morgan Creek Park was completed. This winding trail allows users to view prairie, wooded areas, and Morgan Creek.

Upon the completion of this segment of Morgan

Creek Trail, the Linn County Conservation Board moved the park entrance to E Avenue Northwest. Other amenities at the park entrance include restrooms, a state-of-theart playground, and various shelters. By providing such amenities, the Linn County Conservation Board has ensured that all visitors can enjoy the park.

Future extensions of the Morgan Creek Trail have been phased out into different segments. Phasing allows for easier project management and budgeting. Currently, the trail segment from 42nd Street Northwest to the Cedar River is planned to begin construction in 2023. The trail segment from Morgan Creek Park to Covington Road is funded. A study is being conducted about how to cross the Cedar River. Lastly, the Linn County Conservation Board is actively pursuing funding for the trail segment from Covington Road to the Cedar River.

As the Morgan Creek Trail continues to be constructed, the Corridor MPO is thrilled to see the public utilize and enjoy the trail. Such projects allow many community members to access essential public amenities such as park space. Community members can enjoy nature in many ways by providing access to these areas.

The images above and below are views from approaching and using the bridge at Morgan Creek Park. This bridge provides a safe pedestrian crossing over Morgan Creek. The bridge allows users to continue their journey through Morgan Creek Park and eventually to the Cedar River.

CORRIDOR MPO

Marion Boulevard Bridge

Aerial image of the new Marion Boulevard Bridge

JURISDICTION

Historically those driving to Marion along Marion Boulevard passed underneath an average railroad bridge. Upon the railroad’s closure through Marion, planning efforts began about what to do with the areas that used to be a railroad. One area of interest was the railroad bridge. Through community engagement and planning efforts within the City of Marion, it was decided that the old railroad bridge would be

replaced with a pedestrian bridge. The new pedestrian bridge would allow for a critical connection between Marion and the surrounding communities and an art installation that welcomes all visitors to Marion.

In July of 2022, the City of Marion held a ribbon cutting for the new bridge. During the ribbon cutting, a strong message shared by the City of Marion, the City of Cedar

IMAGE BY GRANT HARPER

Rapids, and the Corridor MPO was the importance of collaboration and regional connections. The Marion Boulevard Bridge provides Uptown Marion with connections to the Lindale, Boyson, Indian Creek, and CEMAR Trails. With current initiatives to complete the Lindale, Indian, and CEMAR Trail, trail users will gain access to all areas within the metropolitan area.

Upon the Iowa Department of Transportation’s acceptance of the Marion Boulevard Bridge, the City of Marion will install the gateway art pieces. These Gateway pieces will be made by the local artist Cara Briggs Farmer. Within the Gateway, there will be pillars, lighting, and the paneling has already been installed.

The Corridor MPO has been thrilled to see the public utilize and enjoy the Marion Boulevard Bridge. Such projects provide crucial connections to the regional community. Community members can access essential destinations and regional economic centers by implementing these connections. The Marion Boulevard Bridge will only grow in importance in upcoming years as the regional trails system continues to grow and connect.

The images both below and above are of the new Marion Boulevard Bridge. This bridge provides a crucial connection for trails between the City of Marion and the rest of the metropolitan area’s trail systems.

CORRIDOR MPO

IMAGE BY GRANT HARPER

1st Avenue Projects

IMAGE OF 1ST AVENUE UNDERPASS FOR THE CEMAR TRAIL

MEMBER JURISDICTION

Over the last couple of decades, the CEMAR trail has grown from a concept into a regional trail backbone for the Corridor MPO’s trail system. One of the most recent projects that have been accomplished for the CEMAR trail is the 1st Avenue Road project. Within this project, a trail underpass was constructed to allow for a safe pedestrian crossing at 1st Avenue. By

implementing an underpass like this, both pedestrian and motorized traffic are to move uninterrupted. In doing so, safety and congestion concerns are addressed.

Future connections of the CEMAR trail will extend past 3rd Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids and connect to the trail by Menards in Marion. To accomplish this extension, the City of

Marion is currently working on easements that would allow the future construction of the trail extension.

Upon completing the CEMAR and Lindale trails, trail users can complete an approximately 15-mile loop through Cedar Rapids and Marion. Sights along the way will include the newly reinvigorated Cedar Lake area, Mt. Mercy’s Campus, Faulks Heritage Woods, and many others.

With the CEMAR trail being a crucial link between two of the most populated municipalities in the metropolitan area, the Corridor MPO is optimistic about seeing the final connection of the CEMAR trail completed. By doing so, community members can connect with each other and vital community resources. The CEMAR trail will be a regional resource that all will enjoy.

The images above and below showcase the pedestrian underpass on 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids. This underpass allows for safe usage of the CEMAR Trail as users move from Cedar Rapids to Marion or vice versa.

CORRIDOR MPO

Tower Terrace Road

IMAGE OF BOX CULVERT FOR TOWER TERRACE ROAD EXPANSION FROM MARION TO CEDAR RAPIDS

MEMBER JURISDICTIONS

As the Tower Terrace and I-380 Interchange project construction continues, the Corridor MPO, Hiawatha, Robins, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Linn County continue to work to secure funding for the remainder of the roadway west to Highway 13.

In early 2022, the MPO secured $5M in Community Project Funding for engineering and right-of-way acquisitions for the

project. While we were hopeful for a RAISE grant funding award this year, we remain committed to the project. The MPO, and our project partners, look forward to future opportunities to leverage outside funding and accelerate the project. We will continue working together as opportunities become available.

IMAGE BY GRANT HARPER

Safe Streets and Roads for All

From 2016 to 2021, the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan area had 68 vehicle-related deaths. Due to these tragedies and commitment to creating safe transportation systems, the Corridor MPO will apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All funding opportunity to discover why these accidents occur and how to stop them from happening again.

Is the Corridor MPO’s 5-year transportation system’s annual fatality rate

Is the Corridor MPO’s goal for fatality rates with the adoption of a “Vision Zero” policy4.918 0.0

In 2022, the United States of America Department of Transportation (USDOT) created a funding program named Safe Streets and Roads for All. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program allows the federal government to push the Vision Zero initiative forward. In previous years, there has been an increase in pedestrian fatalities. By

funding communities to study their transportation system and enact solutions to areas of improvement, the Federal Government and local communities are hopeful to see these tragedies significantly reduced.

On September 15th, the Corridor MPO applied for $350,000 to conduct

a transportation system safety study throughout the Corridor MPO region. This study will analyze motor vehicle, pedestrian, and other transportation systems. If awarded funding, the Corridor MPO can apply for additional funding to enact the projects identified within the transportation system safety study.

CORRIDOR MPO