Project of the Week: FY26 Downtown Sidewalk Repair Project

The City is committed to a safe and accessible walking environment for all residents. Routine sidewalk maintenance plays a key role in that goal.

A new sidewalk repair program has been put in place to address that.

Our sidewalks downtown are faced with constant stress. Constant cycles of freezing and thawing, as well as drainage and settling that cause the material underneath them to move and shift, will cause sidewalk panels to move and break. For that reason, the City Council approved the new FY26 Downtown Sidewalk Repair Program in June.

Since then, crews are at work repairing sidewalks that need attention. This week, one crew was hard at work at 401 1^st Street SE, fixing the sidewalk in front of the Fireside Tavern and Dublin City Pub.

The importance of sidewalks

Safe sidewalks provide recreational opportunities and a convenient method to safely travel around the city. Sidewalks are a critical component of the City's overall transportation network, connecting homes and businesses. Having a safe and well-connected sidewalk network promotes more connections to the community and provides both physical and mental health benefits.

The importance of sidewalk repair projects is outlined in the Cedar Rapids Pedestrian Master Plan. In 2018, the City sought the public's input on prioritizing sidewalk needs throughout the community. More than 1,200 participants gave feedback through online surveys, open houses, and pop-up workshops that advised planners on how to improve connectivity and make walkability a more positive experience for all users.

The downtown sidewalk area was a focus of the latest contract, after the Pedestrian Master Plan identified it as the area with the highest pedestrian demand.

However, the City needed a consistent program for sidewalk inspections. The city plans to continue the sidewalk program, and develop routine inspection cycles to identify and address safety hazards.

"The continuation of the program will help keep a consistent level of sidewalk maintenance," says Civil Engineer Gretchen Aquice.

Understanding the markings
When sidewalks are inspected, they are marked with white paint which follows the American Public Works Association Color Code. The sidewalk program uses white because it means "proposed excavation" and shows the limits of the replacement.

You can learn more about these markings in our sidewalk FAQs.

You can learn more about the FY2026 Downtown Sidewalk Repair Program here.

Project of the Week puts a spotlight on work happening all over the City every day. Each week, we will take a closer look at projects that are investing in our community's roads, trails, Flood Control System, and more. See previous installments here:

October 8: Ellis Lane Tie-Off
Oct. 1: 2^nd Street SW
September 24: ROADEO and winter snow training
September 17: Bever Avenue and Green Valley Terrace
September 10: 3^rd Street SE
September 4: Jacolyn Drive NW
August 27: Blairs Ferry Road Sidewalk Infill
August 20: Downtown Railroad Crossing Repair
August 13: 3^rd Street SW
August 6: CIPP Sewer Repairs
July 30: 6^th Avenue SW from 1^st Street to 2^nd Street
July 24: 4^th Street Trail Extension
July 17: 12^th Street SE/Coe Road
July 10: 34^th Street SE
July 3: Roundhouse
June 25: Mount Vernon Road
June 18: Grande Avenue SE
June 11: O Avenue NW Time Check Elevation Project
June 5: Nassau Street
May 28: Cedar Lake
May 21: Tree of Five Seasons Park
May 14: 20th Street NW
May 7: 18th Avenue SW
April 30: Alliant Energy LightLine™
April 23: 42nd Street
April 16: The 3rd Avenue Bridge