A closer look at construction of the Alliant Energy LightLine™

It's been exactly one year since ground was broken for the Alliant Energy LightLine™.

At that time, residents had to imagine what a recreational bridge spanning the length of the Cedar River would look like.

Today, you don't have to imagine.

Cyclists and pedestrians on the Cedar River trail will find a very busy job site in the shadow of Mount Trashmore. With more than half the bridge already complete on the north side of the river, contractors have built a giant causeway on the south side, which allows heavy equipment to be safely deployed onto the river itself.

Over the next few weeks, workers will focus on building Piers 1 and 2, which will support the next set of bridge beams. Workers will also focus on building a viewing area where guests can stop, rest, and take in sweeping views of the city.

Once it is completed later this year, the LightLine™ will serve as a welcoming beacon for Cedar Rapids.

"It is very exciting to be able to see this incredible project taking shape," said the City's Director of Community Development, Jennifer Pratt. "This project represents more than a new iconic addition to our vibrant trail network. It marks the power of partnerships - ConnectCR, Alliant Energy, other major donors, and countless residents who wanted to invest in the future of our community."

Located between New Bohemia and Czech Village, the new recreational bridge will provide a unique experience for pedestrians and bicyclists, with a design that honors the former CRANDIC railroad bridge and area's industrial history.

Removal of the former railroad bridge was completed in 2024.

In addition to the on-site progress, fabrication of major bridge components is ongoing at off-site facilities. In March, City representatives visited the manufacturer to view the progress of the steel pylon.

"It's just one of many projects moving our city forward," Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said at last year's groundbreaking. "Cedar Rapids is on the rise, and we're building a place where people want to be - connected to the river, to each other, and to a bold future."

Renderings of the future Alliant Energy LightLine™
The bridge started as an idea by neighborhood leaders more than a decade ago. One of its main purposes is to provide an effective connection of the historic Czech Village and New Bohemia neighborhoods to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, which is part of the American Discovery Trail through Cedar Rapids. It also creates a walking loop of less than a mile through Czech Village and New Bohemia. This is another key milestone in the implementation of the Czech Village New Bohemia Area Action Plan.

The Alliant Energy LightLine™ is being developed thanks to a public-private partnership comprised of the City of Cedar Rapids and ConnectCR, a group of residents dedicated to revitalizing Cedar Lake and building a pedestrian bridge spanning the Cedar River.

The Steering Committee for ConnectCR raised more than $8 million in private funding for the project. The Hall-Perrine Foundation, the City of Cedar Rapids, and the State of Iowa also contributed to help make the Alliant Energy LightLine™ a reality.

"There is no way this project would be where it is today without both the city and the local residents who've worked together to make it a reality," said Julie Kraft, Director of Organization Development for ConnectCR. "It truly is a public-private partnership with both sides focused on one common goal: a better Cedar Rapids."

Alliant Energy has been a significant donor to the project, contributing to the capital campaign, as well as selling the bridge's site for $1 to the City.

"As we approach the completion of this project, which is more than ten years in the making, we can't help but have a tremendous sense of pride and gratitude for the people, businesses, and organizations who've contributed to make this project happen," Kraft said. "We're also thankful to the City for seeing the residents' vision and being willing to participate in a different sort of partnership, for the betterment of not just Cedar Rapids, but the Eastern Iowa region."

The Alliant Energy LightLine™ is scheduled to be completed later this year. Follow the latest project updates here.

Video by Steve Sovern and ConnectCR.