The Manufacturing Drive Project is set to begin Tuesday, March 18th. This comprehensive reconstruction project will improve road conditions, expand capacity, and modernize infrastructure to enhance safety and traffic flow. The project will take two full construction seasons to complete.
Road Closures & Detours:
To ensure public safety and facilitate construction, Manufacturing Drive will be closed to through traffic between Highway 30 and College Avenue throughout the duration of construction. Drivers should follow the following designated detour routes using South 14th Street and Highway 30 as a global detour around the project area.
Clear signage will be placed along the affected areas to direct traffic. Commuters should anticipate delays and consider alternate routes. Emergency vehicles will have access as needed.
Access to Local Businesses:
Businesses along Manufacturing Drive will remain open during construction. Customers are encouraged to use the following alternate business routes for access:
South 14th Street to 13th Avenue South for access to Today’s Dental, Metal Tech, All Pets Mobile Clinic, & Lundin’s Auto Spa.
Highway 30 to South 19th Street for access to IMS chiropractic, Clinton Floral, China One, & Ray’s Timeout.
Highway 30 to Harrison Drive, to South 21st Street for access to Right Lane Motors, SJ Smith, Awesome Car Wash, Laundry Max, and Eastern Iowa Tire.
Temporary signage will be installed to guide customers to businesses. Please review the detour map attached to this press release for further information. We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this period.
Project Phases:
The project will be constructed in phases to provide constant access to local businesses throughout the project area. Beginning March 18th, crews will focus on bridge removal and reconstruction of the area between the railroad crossing and the main entrance to Nestle Purina on the southwest end of the project. This construction is expected to take almost a full year, which is the reason for the South 21st Street business detour listed above. The other major portion of work to be done this calendar year is at the northeast end of the job, including full reconstruction of Manufacturing Drive between South 19th Street & College Avenue. This will necessitate full closure of this section of roadway, meaning the best access to Manufacturing Drive this year will be from South 19th Street & South 21st Street. Please see the attached project phasing map below for more information on how this project will be staged.
Project Highlights
Complete asphalt overlay from Highway 30 to Valley West Drive, including a new sidewalk on the south side.
Removal of the existing 100-year-old concrete road from Valley West Drive to South Bluff Boulevard and reconstruction as a three-lane urban section with curb and gutter.
Addition of right-turn lanes at South 21st Street and the driveway to Nestlé Purina to alleviate congestion.
Replacement of bridges over Mill Creek and Harts Mill Creek to accommodate road expansion and improve flood resilience.
Installation of a storm sewer system to improve drainage and reduce pollution in Mill Creek and alleviate flash flooding in the area.
Closure of six direct access points to Manufacturing Drive, replacing them with a single intersection at 13th Avenue South, which was designed for better visibility and safer traffic movements.
Construction of a bike trail connecting Bluff Boulevard to the Valley Bluff shopping district.
Roadway safety improvements, including intersection widening, realignment, additional turn lanes, and a roundabout at South 19th Street to reduce accidents and traffic delays.
Additional enhancements such as LED street lighting, sanitary sewer improvements, and tree planting.
Reconstruction of South 17th Street (12th Avenue South to 14th Avenue South) and 13th Avenue South (South 17th Street to South Bluff Boulevard).
For real-time updates and additional information, visit the following websites:
City Webpage for the Manufacturing Drive and Bluff Boulevard Project
Drive to Prosperity Project Website
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the City Engineering Department at any time at 563-244-3423 or email:
Engineer Jason Craft
Assistant City Engineer Zane Pennock
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Press Release – Manufacturing Drive Project Commencement 03-18-2025 – Maps
