Updates on roads projects in Cedar Rapids area

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Transportation Commission met Tuesday in Cedar Rapids.

Here are a few takeaways and updates on local projects from the meeting:

Sixth Street SW upgrades

The commission on Tuesday approved a Cedar Rapids application for an up to $828,000 Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) grant to help construct turn lanes on 6th Street SW near West Side Transport. Officials said the turn lanes would address congestion in the area and keep the company in Cedar Rapids - retaining 69 full-time jobs. The roughly $1.88 million project is anticipated to be completed next summer.

Rail freight

The commission also approved more than $1.46 million in Linking Iowa's Freight Transportation System funding for two projects. Approved funds include $925,000 toward Eastern Iowa Airport's new cargo facility, which is under construction, and $536,000 for a Mount Pleasant transload facility at the Burlington Junction Railway.

Collins Road

Work began last spring to widen Collins Road to three lanes from Northland Avenue to Twixt Town Road. The $9.6 million project is slated for a fall completion. The next phase of Collins Road work is expected to cost another $40 million and aproximately $25 million is needed for the third phase of work.

l Comments: (319) 398-8309; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com