Update october 19, 2021

Paving has been completed but there is still plenty of work remaining before the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project is completed later this fall.

The asphalt overlay of the driving lanes and intersections was completed in September by Manatts, the prime contractor for the work. Currently, work on the box outs and water value lids is underway with the east side lane completed and work underway in the west side lane. Work in the center lane will begin next week as traffic is moved from the center to the east side lane..

Once the box outs have been completed, the paint strippers will return to replace the temporary stripping with more permanent stripping. The final step will be to bring the traffic control signals back on line.

Drivers are slowly getting used to the new three-lane configuration with one driving lane in each direction and a center turn lane. Drivers are cautioned not to use the center turn lane as a passing lane once the traffic control devices have been removed and the traffic lights are activated.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution when travelling through the construction zone, obey traffic control devices, and be aware of workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

The improvements included in the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project will focus specifically on safety, including traffic lane reconfiguration that would change the road from four lanes (two operating in each direction) to three lanes (one lane in each direction and a center two-way, left turn lane) from Harrison Street to the Iowa 92 bridge. The project will also allow for 74 new sidewalk ramps that would be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, full depth patching of the roadway, and an asphalt overlay.

Manatts,Inc., was awarded the  $2,284,476.07 contract following the June 2020 Iowa Department of Transportation bid letting. IDOT will fund $1,297,714.00 of the project with the rest shared by the City of Muscatine and Muscatine Power & Water.