Shifting lanes leading to close calls on First Avenue

CEDAR RAPIDS - A shifting traffic pattern near the former Crowne Plaza hotel is leading to confusion and near misses for some drivers.

“You constantly hear horns honking and tires screeching,” said Jim Angstman, who works nearby. He added it's common to see drivers accidentally cut across into the wrong lane as they head westbound on First Avenue.

So far, there have been no accidents reported. Faded paint near the intersection of Fifth Street and First Avenue is apparently leading to some of the confusion. Signs warning drivers of the changing lanes are posted, but many people say those signs are not enough.

“With the train, the cross walk, and now missing the turning lanes, it's very difficult to navigate this area,” said Shirley Andersen, who also works nearby.

Craig Hanson of the Cedar Rapids Public Works department said the city took away traffic cones separating the two lanes because of early snow removal. He also said the department can't fix the faded paint problem because “until the pavement temperature is above 50 degrees again you can't apply paint.” Painting would be a waste of money, he said, because it won't stick amid the cold weather, snow and ice.

Hanson said the city will put the cones back in place as long as there is no snow there, but the cones will have to be removed during the next snowfall. He said the city also will look at adding more signs in the area.