If the weather allows, a two-year reconstruction project on Iowa Highway 3 through Waverly begins on Monday (April 3, 2017).

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), the first stage of road work will take place within the two blocks on each side of the Cedar River bridge. Through traffic on Iowa 3 (Bremer Ave.) will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 2nd Street SW to 2nd Street SE. Construction will occur in the outside lanes, parking lanes and sidewalk areas. To access businesses, motorists will need to turn before or after the work zone because left-hand turns will not be allowed during the construction.

In a press release, city officials said the first-phase of road work will have several impacts on traffic:

  • Cross traffic movements and left turns on to or off of Bremer Ave. will be prohibited between 3rd Street SW and 3rd Street NE. Right turns will also be limited.
  • No on-street parking is allowed between 3rd Street SW and 3rd Street NE.
  • Iowa 3/Bremer Ave. side streets are CLOSED at 1st Street NW, 1st Street SW, 1st Street NE and 1st Street SE.
  • The detour route for 1st Street NW, including truck traffic for Nestle USA, is on 4th Street NW and 5th Ave. NW.

According to project plans, the middle lanes of Iowa 3 will be rebuilt when work on the outside lanes and sidewalks is completed. At that time, parking will continue to be restricted within the construction and detour zones, but full pedestrian access to the sidewalks will be available. During this stage, there will be limited opportunities to turn right or left from Iowa 3 to access businesses along Bremer Ave. in the construction zone.

The first stage of Iowa 3 road work is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2017. IDOT officials said the entire two-year reconstruction project will impact 28 city blocks between 20th Street NW/Heritage Way and 8th Street NE.

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