Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streets Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cedar Falls Council approves three street projects totaling about $4.62 million
Summary
After public hearings, the council adopted plans for the West 22nd reconstruction ($1.775M), a 2026 street restoration package ($900K), and a 2026 street construction project focused on West 12th Street and Eric Road ($1.945M). Funding sources include local sales taxes, TIF, street funds and general obligation debt.
The Cedar Falls City Council on March 16 adopted specifications and cost estimates for three separate street projects, approving construction plans that together total approximately $4,620,000.
The most expensive project is the West 22nd Street reconstruction, estimated at about $1,775,000, which will widen the roadway from roughly 26 to 29 feet, install 7‑inch concrete pavement, replace water main and sanitary manholes, add subdrain and storm sewer intakes, and complete a sidewalk infill along Campus Street. Dr. Ben Claypool told the council the project will be funded by local sales tax and the College Hill tax increment finance (TIF) district.
The council also approved the 2026 street restoration package, covering roughly 1.25 miles across seven streets, including 1,930 tons of asphalt placement, pedestrian ramp replacement, storm sewer adjustments and sidewalk work. Claypool estimated the restoration at about $900,000 to be paid from local option sales tax, the street construction fund, the sanitary sewer rental fund and the general obligation fund.
Finally, council adopted plans for the 2026 street construction project covering approximately 0.31 miles on West 12th Street (Tremont to Washington) and a segment of Eric Road. The scope includes full pavement removal and replacement (about 7,650 square yards), ADA ramp reconstruction and utility work with an estimated construction cost of approximately $1,945,000. Funding sources listed include local option sales tax, the street construction fund, the sanitary sewer rental fund, Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) and the general obligation fund. Staff noted phased closures through Tremont for construction sequencing.
Public feedback focused on timing and operational impacts. Resident Kim Jordan asked how individual projects relate to nearby property work and cautioned about maintenance issues associated with design features such as bump-outs. Council and staff responded with design clarifications: bump-outs will sit at the street edge to shorten crossing distances, not in the middle of the roadway; parking lanes will be maintained (striped as a 10‑ft parking lane, with localized striping adjustments to make travel lanes feel narrower); and the West 22nd project was described as a long‑planned effort conducted with university partners.
Votes at a glance: West 22nd reconstruction — adopted by roll call (all "aye"); 2026 street restoration — adopted by roll call (all "aye"); 2026 street construction — adopted by roll call (all "aye").
Council members said the projects are intended to improve safety, slow traffic and improve pedestrian access along corridors including West 12th Street and Eric Road. Construction timings, specific phasing and final striping details will be provided to the public as staff finalizes schedules.
