Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project

Project Information

In 2016, during the community visioning process, residents provided input that improvements to Melrose Avenue to create a “complete street” entranceway to the community and enable safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists along the heavily trafficked arterial were the top priority. The project will provide on-street bike lanes from Sunset Street to the east city limit, bury overhead utilities and install decorative lighting from George Street cul-de-sac to the east city limit, reconstruct the Golfview/Koser Avenue intersection with Melrose Avenue to improve roadway geometry and update traffic signals and pedestrian crossings at the intersection.

Surface Transportation Block Grant

Partial funding for the planned improvements was secured in 2017 with a Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) through the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC).

Design Phase

Design Phase work began in 2024 with Concept Statement Submittal to Iowa DOT and reviewing options for updating the intersection of Koser Avenue/Golfview Avenue and Melrose Avenue with City staff. MPOJC obtained updated traffic counts and provided analysis of current and future traffic conditions at the intersection. Additionally, MPOJC staff reviewed and commented on the conceptual re-alignment of the intersection of Koser Avenue/Golfview Avenue with Melrose Avenue in their December 2024 Report.  

Carbon Reduction Program Funding

Utilizing updated preliminary design layouts and cost opinions, the City was awarded Carbon Reduction Program Funding (CRP) in the spring of 2025 through the MPOJC. 

Open House for Public Review

University Heights held a Public Open House Event on August 5, 2025, at City Hall for the public’s review and input on the preliminary plan layout, typical sections, and decorative lighting styles. Exhibits from the Open House Event are linked below:

Additional Items

Additional project work includes:

  • Obtaining additional right-of-way around the Golfview/Koser Avenue intersection to allow for shifting the intersection and re-aligning the side streets, widening Melrose Avenue for on-street bike lanes and for installation of an 8-foot-wide sidewalk along the south side of Melrose Avenue. 
  • Obtaining permanent utility easements to bury the existing overhead utilities underground (electrical and telecommunications) along Melrose Avenue between the George Street cul-de-sac and the eastern City Limit (bridge over IAIS Railroad).
  • Relocating residential driveways that are currently connected to Melrose Avenue near the Koser Avenue intersection to reduce conflict points near the intersection. 
  • Relocating the community garden in coordination with the new intersection layout.

Schedule

The current project schedule:

  • Fall/Winter 2025 – Easements and Acquisitions
  • Spring/Summer 2026 – Utility Relocations
  • Fall/Winter 2026 – Bid Road Project
  • Spring 2027 – Road Construction Begins

Cost

Estimated construction costs:

  • $2,540,000