News Third Street project: Engineer explains process at first of several meetings

Approximately 20 residents of East Third Street spent an hour at City Hall on Wednesday, learning the basics of the major renovation project that will affect the street they live on for several months next year.

The estimated $1.5 million project – paid for with federal funds and money the city had previously borrowed for the 13th Street project – will begin in about one year and take up to five months.

Residents heard from Mayor John Watson and a representative from the Fehr-Graham Company, which will provide engineering services.

The project will include installing larger water mains, as well as sanitary and storm sewer work, adding a curb and gutter to both sides, man holes and (as required by federal law), ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

The project is still in the design phase; exact specifications will be determined after studies of the street.

Residents learned that because of the limited right-of-way area, parking will likely be limited to only one side of the street.

“It will at times be a big mess,” warned Nathan Kass, the branch manager of the Cedar Rapids Fehr-Graham office. 

Kass warned that during the water and sewer main part of the project there will be a “big hole” in the street; he also said, however, that during most projects, the holes are filled at the end of the day, allowing residents to be able to drive into their driveways most of the time. Rainy weather, however, could lead to muddy streets, and residents may prefer to park their cars on solid surfaces on those days.

Kass and Mayor Watson told the crowd that part of the reason for the meetings was for citizens to share ideas for the design of the street.

“You want us to embrace the project,” said one citizen. “Yes,” replied the Mayor, adding that positive interaction between citizens and leaders will help.  

There will be more open house meetings in the future to help keep citizens informed; engineers will also go door-to-door during the construction phase to advise residents on the progress of the project, as well as when water service may be turned off for part of a day.