Infrastructure

A Well-Connected Transportation Hub

Located on Interstate 380 and less than 30 miles from Interstate 80, Hiawatha’s central location provides ease of shipping and receiving from the east and west coasts and points north and south. Our Eastern Iowa city is home to active transportation routes via air, rail, and ground.

By car or truck, Chicago, Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, and Minneapolis/St. Paul are less than five hours away. Plus, Hiawatha Public Works is on the job year-round to maintain the 40+ miles of local streets, and parking is free and easy to find.

By rail, your business can benefit from partnerships with CRANDIC, the Iowa Northern Railway Company, or the Iowa Interstate Railroad.

By air, the Eastern Iowa Airport connects our business travelers non-stop to many major cities, such as Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, Denver, Detroit, Atlanta, Orlando, Phoenix, Charlotte and more. And if you are traveling for pleasure, the Eastern Iowa Airport offers non-stop destinations to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville and several cities in Florida. We take pride in our location, as the airport that serves all these cities is just a 15 min. drive from Hiawatha and a quick trip through security to your gate.

2 HRS

Des Moines

3 HRS

Madison

4 HRS

Chicago

4 HRS

Minneapolis

4 HRS

Omaha

4 HRS

St. Louis

5 HRS

Kansas City

Access to Green Energy Resources

While the utility infrastructure for electricity, natural gas, and high-speed fiber is strong in Hiawatha and surrounding areas, many businesses and homes in Hiawatha have taken advantage of available green energy resources, such as solar and geothermal installations. Expert local resources for heating, cooling, and power help companies conserve energy and steward the environment. In addition, local utility companies offer incentives to businesses for saving energy in their building design, manufacturing processes, and heating, cooling, and lighting.

Learn more about energy programs available for your business:

Alliant Energy https://www.alliantenergy.com
MidAmerican Energy https://www.midamericanenergy.com

Strategic Connectivity: A Site Selector’s Advantage

Hiawatha’s central location and robust transportation infrastructure make it an ideal hub for businesses seeking easy access to major regional and national markets. Coupled with access to rail services and strong public works maintenance, Hiawatha stands out as a prime location for site selectors looking for well-connected and forward-thinking communities. For businesses seeking growth, Hiawatha’s infrastructure ensures smooth operations, cost efficiency, and the ability to attract workforce talent by leveraging its strategic location.

Key Road Projects Paving the Way for Hiawatha’s Growth

These projects underscore Hiawatha’s commitment to supporting growth and ensuring smooth transportation for residents, businesses, and visitors. Let me know if you’d like additional details or refinements!

Tower Terrace Interchange

The Tower Terrace Interchange in Hiawatha is a significant driver of economic growth, transforming the city into a more accessible and attractive destination for businesses and residents alike. This interchange connects I-380 to Tower Terrace Road, creating an 8.3-mile corridor linking key communities like Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Robins.

Boyson Road & Interstate 380 Interchange Upgrade

Project Type: Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Timeline: Bid-letting begins in late 2024; completion anticipated by Fall 2026.
Purpose: Improve traffic flow and safety, similar to the Tower Terrace interchange.

12th Avenue and Boyson Road Roundabout

Status: Recently completed and operational.
Objective: Streamline traffic flow and enhance connectivity.

Boyson Road from Hawkeye Drive to Robins Road

Enhancements: New roundabout at Boyson Court and upgraded infrastructure.
Construction Timeline: April 2026 to end of 2026.

Blairs Ferry Road and Interstate 380 Improvements

Scope: Bridge deck overlay, installation of new traffic signals, and addition of a sidewalk.
Expected Completion: Fall 2024.

Edgewood Road Extension

Details: Extension planned from Blairs Ferry Road to Emmons Street.
Design Phase: 2025.
Construction Start: Fiscal Year 2026.