As Johnson County evolves, so must the infrastructure that connects it. We’re not just building roads…we’re building resilience, economic opportunity, and a region that works better for everyone. From major bridge replacements to corridor completions that have been years in the making, our transit network is being reimagined to serve the future workforce and support the area’s sustained growth.
The Burlington Street Bridge: Rebuilding a Lifeline
The Burlington Street Bridge, originally constructed in 1915, has long connected Iowa City’s downtown, the University of Iowa campus, and key healthcare and employment hubs. This bridge is more than infrastructure; it’s a regional artery. Rebuilding means safer travel, more equitable access, and stronger connections between neighborhoods, employers, and institutions. The $70 million overhaul aims to:
• Replace two aging bridges with one modern, multi-modal crossing
• Extend continuous bike lanes from Melrose Avenue to downtown
• Improve ADA accessibility for more than 1,600 daily pedestrians
• Reduce risk to emergency services during flood events
• Address safety issues related to the nearby roller dam, which has caused multiple fatalities
Currently supported by over $17 million in federal planning and transportation grants, this project will ensure reliable access to the University of Iowa Hospital, Kinnick Stadium, and core economic centers, with design work starting in 2026 and construction targeted for 2029–2031.
Forevergreen Road: Closing the Loop on Regional Connectivity
To the north, another transformative project is coming into focus: the final phase of the Forevergreen Road extension, a missing 1.3-mile stretch between North Liberty Road and 12th Avenue. This piece completes a vital 7.3-mile arterial corridor linking Interstate 80 to Interstate 380, directly serving Coralville, North Liberty, and the University of Iowa Research Park.
Backed by a $2.5 million federal appropriation and regional TIP prioritization, this project:
• Improves direct access to Steindler Orthopedic Clinic, UIHC’s new North Liberty campus, and Integrated DNA Technologies
• Adds shared-use paths for multimodal commuting and recreation
• Anchors new development by completing a long-anticipated east-west connector
With the region’s population and employment hubs expanding rapidly, completing the Forevergreen corridor unlocks mobility for workers, families, and employers and cements this corridor as a core driver of regional economic momentum.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the entire corridor helping to support medical, advanced manufacturing, and housing growth in one of Iowa’s fastest-growing subregions.
Together, these projects show what smart, intentional investment looks like:
• Prioritizing safety, accessibility, and workforce mobility
• Aligning infrastructure with emerging development clusters
• Building a transit system that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable
These are commitments to our future workforce, to businesses seeking access and talent, and to residents who deserve a region where getting from Point A to Point B is safe, affordable, and efficient. As these major infrastructure projects move forward, Greater Iowa City, Inc. remains committed to supporting them through advocacy, communication, and regional collaboration.
Sources & Supporting Material:
Iowa City Construction Projects
