Mount Vernon Road construction limits access for Cedar Rapids businesses

Cedar Rapids is finishing a weekend closure of Mount Vernon Road between 20th and 26th streets that the city says will be the last full road closure for the project.

The work is part of the Paving for Progress program and includes paving repairs, water main replacement and sidewalk replacement, the city said.

The project began in 2023 and is scheduled to run into 2027, according to city information.

Business owner Dee Patel said the repeated closures have made it difficult for customers to reach his properties.

"People be having a hard time to get into this property," Patel said.

"Bills and expenses are going up and up, all the businesses around here," he added.

Cedar Rapids Assistant Director of Public Works Matt Johnson said the city recognizes the impact on access.

"We recognize that this also limits access to homes and businesses. This is where the balancing act of Safety, Mobility, and Access comes into play. By making reasonable modifications to street and business access, more traffic can safely travel along the corridor," Johnson said.

The current phase covers the stretch from 20th Street to 26th Street.