Blazing Trails While Preparing for Flooding

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

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By Jami Brinton

Story Created: Apr 12, 2010 at 3:11 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 12, 2010 at 4:30 PM CST

CORALVILLE - The city of Coralville is taking a two-pronged approach to flood protection.

It's not only protecting businesses, but also offering more recreation options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearly two years of talk about flood mitigation projects in Coralville is finally translating into action.

"We're going to have one of the busiest construction seasons in Coralville, that's for certain,” said Scott Larson, assistant city engineer.

While the city says those who frequent First Avenue are going to have to get used to seeing construction zones, the city also says they want to make this area as commuter-friendly as possible.

In fact, the city wants to give those living in this area more ways to get where they're going.

"With the flood mitigation projects we actually proposed some new pedestrian bridges, make more dedicated trail connections so people coming in between Iowa City and Coralville in that area will be able to stay on a trail and not have to get in a parking lot or cross First Avenue through traffic,” explained Larson.

"Hopefully keep bikes off 1st avenue I think it's a safety issue, but also the river is should be a focal point for the city and it really hasn't been used like that before,” said Doug Weihe, president of Shoemaker and Haaland.

One way Shoemaker and Haaland will reach that goal is by creating a new biking and walking trail that's part of this 10-foot flood wall.

"I think the additions to the Iowa River Power and the trail systems will be a showpiece,” said Weihe.

The city says this enhanced trail system is one of the most exciting, little known parts of their mitigation strategy that benefits many.

"The more connections you can make, the better off everybody is,” said Larson.

Work on the new trails near the Iowa River Power Restaurant and the CRANDIC railroad will start sometime this Fall.

The city hopes to have those projects finished next year.

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