Improvements to three major intersections approved
by Robyn Ireland [email protected] · June 18th, 2020


The City of Marion is planning improvements to three major intersections this year. The city will work on the intersections of South 31st Street and Highway 100; of Alburnett Road and Echo Hill; and of Seventh Avenue and 35th Street this construction season.

On 31st Street and Hwy 100, a new turning signal will be installed and turn lanes created as advised by the Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP). It is a $620,000 project to which the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has agreed to give $500,000

At Alburnett Road and Echo Hill, the City of Marion will install a roundabout. With Linn-Mar's new intermediate school opening in the fall, the TSIP advised a two-way stop there would be insufficient to handle the traffic effectively. It is a $1,120,000 project; the IDOT will contribute another $500,000.

The traffic situation at Seventh Avenue and 35th Street has long been a discussion, since November 2017, for the city council. Not only is the traffic signal one of the oldest in the city, but also the conjunction of 10th Avenue and Linden Drive right there creates a congestion of vehicles. A plan for improving the intersection was presented by Snyder and Associates in June of last year. After funding was found, the City Council approved a new design intersection in October of 2019. Now replacing the signal, and installing both raised islands plus turn lanes makes this a $750,000 project. The IDOT has granted $140,000 toward the improvements.