A resolution on the agenda for the Pella City Council on Tuesday could bring the community one step closer to a series of updates to a key road, and a move that also support projects across central Iowa.
The council will consider a resolution in support of the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) multijurisdictional application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program.
A proposal connects four projects, including one in Pella, as well as those in Adel, Nevada, and Newton, with each community aiming to improve key corridors. In Pella, the project would support parts of reconstruction, resurfacing, speed management, and trail extension along University Street from the Iowa 163 overpass to East 8th Street near Pella High School.
A local match of $771,400 could unlock $3.1 million in federal funding, if approved at both levels. Adel, Nevada, and Newton are also each requesting multi-million dollar projects in their respective communities.
City staff did mention that this is only the first step in the process, and that Central College and the Pella Community School District would each be consulted about various improvements, and that public hearings would also be required before final approval.
Specific updates that could be included in the application are (
copied directly from the Pella City Council agenda
):
• Speed Management: speed bumps may be added from West 3rd Street to East 8th Street and larger speed limit signs will be posted.
• Passing Restrictions: from the Highway 163 bridge to Broadway Street will be restriped to restrict passing and signage will be placed north of Highway 163 and west of West 5th Street.
• Profile Adjustment: the profile of University Street from West 1st Street to the crosswalk, which provides pedestrian access to Central College’s Graham Hall, will be adjusted. This project will involve the removal of an old railroad crossing which currently attributes to a sight visibility issue for eastbound traffic on University Street.
• Animal Signage: animal signage will be added west/south of United Methodist Church.
• Roadway Resurfacing: Main Street to Central Drive (approx. 3,200 LF).
• Roadway Reconstruction: University Street from Main Street to Farmer St. (approx. 2,400 LF).
• Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements: extension of an eight-foot trail on University Street from Farmer Street to Main Street. This trail segment will connect Caldwell Park and Pella High School to the city trail which also connects to the regional trails at Lake Red Rock. Once completed, this trail system will extend from Pella High School to Cordova Park (approx. 13 miles).
The Pella City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Pella Public Safety Complex.
