Coral Ridge Avenue Reconstruction

The City of Coralville, in partnership with the City of North Liberty, received IDALS Water Quality Initiative funds to reconstruct a mile-long section of Coral Ridge Avenue, a prime entrance to both communities with high traffic volumes and visibility.  It is located near the important interchange of Interstates 80 and 380.  Incorporated into this project were 29 bioretention cells that will capture and treat stormwater before entering the Clear Creek Watershed.  To date, it is the largest stretch of green infrastructure ever installed in Iowa, treating 189,000 gallons of rain during an average rain event and 4,381,616 gallons during an average year. 

Amy Bouska, Urban Conservationist with IDALS and the Johnson Soil and Water Conservation District, stated, “This project is an outstanding example of two communities working together to comprehensively address storm water runoff on a large linear road project.  It is really impressive to see how well these communities worked together and how committed they are to stormwater management.”

Amy Foster, Stormwater Coordinator with the City of Coralville, mentioned that a big part of the project’s early success was installing prairie mat (combining erosion control with prairie seedlings) to ensure successful plant growth along the roadways. She added, “This project is a great example of how small municipalities can take on large stormwater projects.” She went on further to say that this site will be a highlight of the 2021 Iowa League of Cities stormwater tour to showcase the project to people from all over the state and beyond.