Two, big, southwest Cedar Rapids viaduct projects set for traffic in October

The city's two biggest road construction projects of recent years are both expected to open to traffic in October, reports Rob Davis, the city's engineering manager.

Both projects feature two viaducts that leap railroad tracks.

The first takes 33

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Avenue SW west from Interstate 380 to the Westdale Mall area. Once the 33

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Avenue SW viaducts open next month, look for construction work on 33

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Avenue SW on the west side of the viaducts to divert traffic over to Wilson Avenue SW for now, Davis said.

He said the total project cost is $17 million, which includes about $5 million to improve 33

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Avenue west of the viaducts.

The second viaduct project on Edgewood Road SW will open up the industrial and commercial area south of Highway 30 to more development.

Davis said the total project cost for the Edgewood Road project is about $20 million, including work on Edgewood Road south to 60

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Avenue SW.

Look for ribbon-cuttings and news conferences before the viaducts on 33

Back in April 2008, Davis estimated that the two projects would be ready for opening sometime between September and November 2009. The estimates proved to be good ones.

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Avenue SW and Edgewood Road SW open for traffic.