U.S. Highway 63 serves as a major arterial street in the community. The highly-traveled roadway facilitates commuter traffic to employment centers and links residents to the north end’s retail district. The corridor also forms a portion of the “Avenue of the Saints” directly connecting St. Louis, MO with St. Paul, MN.
Deteriorating infrastructure, poor pedestrian access, a narrow right-of-way, blighted properties, and limited visual appeal long-characterized Highway 63. Surrounding neighborhoods represent Waterloo’s most impoverished citizens. IDOT commissioned a study in March 2003 designed to evaluate future opportunities for improvements. This process initiated significant infrastructure improvements that began in the spring of 2013.
IDOT divided the Highway 63 Corridor project into three separate phases. The first segment involved rebuilding the roadway between Newell and Donald Streets at a cost of $10.8 million. The second phase of the project focused on reconstructing U.S. 63 from Jefferson Street to Franklin Street at a cost of $19.4 million. The final phase of the project rebuilt the highway from Franklin Street to Newell Street which included transitioning a railroad underpass into an overpass for $26.4 million.
Project Funding Sources
$11,500,000
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Federal Highway Funds
Project Timeline
03.2003
Study of the U.S. Highway 63 Corridor area commissioned.
10.2004
Highway 63 Corridor Plan completed.
04.2010
Homes and businesses purchased as part of U.S. Highway 63 project.
09.2012 | ARTICLE
IDOT secured a railroad access agreement with Canadian National Railway to move construction project forward.
02.2012
First phase of U.S. Highway 63 construction set for spring 2013.
02.2013 | ARTICLE
IDOT opened bids for first phase of roadway reconstruction.
12.2013 | ARTICLE
IDOT proposed an overpass to eliminate flood-prone section of road.
02.2017 | ARTICLE
Benefits of U.S. Highway 63 reconstruction project touted.
03.2017 | ARTICLE
Construction of roadway between Jefferson and Franklin Streets initiated.
06.2017 | ARTICLE
Bid received for final project phase.
02.2018 | ARTICLE
Investment soaring along U.S. Highway 63 corridor.
03.2018 | ARTICLE
Reconstruction work closes portion of roadway for 2 years.
02.2019 | ARTICLE
Progress continues along roadway.
07.2019 | ARTICLE
Project nears completion.
11.2019 | ARTICLE
US 63 overpass opens.
Project Success Story
The reconstruction of U.S. Highway 63 through the heart of Waterloo improves the character, safety, and appearance of the corridor while simultaneously facilitating the revitalization of surrounding neighborhoods. The new roadway also helps spur economic redevelopment opportunities through a more efficient transportation system. Examples include the following two projects scheduled for construction in 2019: an $8.5 million, 30,000-square foot All In Grocers supermarket along its intersection with Franklin Street and a $1.5 million, 10,000 square-foot orthopedic clinic located on the former Logan Middle School site. Streetscape improvements such as decorative lighting, benches, street trees, pavers, etc. provide a more aesthetically-pleasing gateway entrance into the community.