116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Cedar Rapids closes First Avenue, other downtown streets, sidewalks amid safety concerns
Wind gusts threaten scaffolding on Second Avenue building
CEDAR RAPIDS — The city on Wednesday closed First Avenue East downtown and nearby streets and sidewalks because of safety concerns.
The safety concerns stem from scaffolding on the north side of the building at 226 Second Ave. SE and winds that were gusting up to 50 mph.
First Avenue is closed between Second Street and Fifth Street SE. Third Street SE is closed between First and Second avenues SE.
In addition, sidewalks are closed on First Avenue between Second Street and the Fourth Street SE railroad tracks, and on Third Street SE between the U.S. Bank skywalk and First Avenue.
Street crews placed traffic barricades until emergency repairs can be completed, pending wind conditions.
Downtown drivers are encouraged to use Second or Third Avenue SE. Through traffic is asked to use Interstate 380, and pedestrians should use the skywalk or alternative building entrances.
To receive text alerts regarding road impacts, go to cityofcr.com/subscribe. For an additional list of road closures, check the city’s Daily Traffic Report.
Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com
Wind whips plastic sheeting on the exterior of scaffolding attached to the north side of the building at 226 Second Avenue SE in southeast Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. With the windy conditions, the scaffolding poses a risk to motorists and pedestrians that caused the closure of streets and sidewalks along First Avenue E and and Third St. SE. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
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