Public Invited to Comment on Hiawatha Pedestrian Bridge Funding

Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization seeks feedback on proposed amendment to transportation program

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization is inviting public comment on a proposed amendment to its Transportation Improvement Program for the City of Hiawatha's Emmons Street Pedestrian Bridge project. The amendment follows the Iowa Transportation Commission's approval of Hiawatha's application to the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program for the bridge over Interstate 380.

Why it matters

The proposed funding amendment is an important step in advancing the Emmons Street Pedestrian Bridge project, which aims to improve pedestrian connectivity and safety in the Hiawatha community by providing a dedicated crossing over the busy Interstate 380.

The details

The public comment period is open through March 8, 2026, and residents can submit feedback using the online form on the Corridor MPO website or by emailing corridormpo@corridormpo.com. All comments received will be shared with the Corridor MPO Policy Board, which is expected to consider approval of the proposed amendments at its next meeting.

  • The Iowa Transportation Commission approved Hiawatha's application for the bridge project in July 2025.
  • The public comment period is open from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

The players

Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization

The regional transportation planning organization responsible for coordinating transportation improvements in the Corridor region, which includes the City of Hiawatha.

Iowa Transportation Commission

The state-level commission that approved the City of Hiawatha's application for the Emmons Street Pedestrian Bridge project.

City of Hiawatha

The local municipality that applied for and received approval for the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program funding to construct the Emmons Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Corridor MPO Policy Board is expected to consider approval of the proposed funding amendment at its next meeting after the public comment period closes on March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The public comment period is an important opportunity for Hiawatha residents to provide feedback on the proposed funding amendment and help shape the future of the Emmons Street Pedestrian Bridge project, which aims to enhance pedestrian connectivity and safety in the community.