Experience Waterloo announces finalized plans for RAGBRAI riders coming into Waterloo on July 28th, and routes for leaving town on July 29th.
Working with RAGBRAI, the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Police, Waterloo Fire and Emergency Management, and Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Black Hawk County Public Health Department, RAGBRAI will ride into town coming from the north and will end in the Festival site downtown Waterloo.
Approximately 10,000 riders will be coming from Iowa Falls and once they reach Black Hawk County, they will take Wagner Road, Big Rock Road to Burton Avenue, Conger Street, River Road, and finally down Commercial Street which will be the cyclists main entrance to the festival. Law enforcement will assist cyclists at various intersections as well as assist vehicle traffic.
The RAGBRAI event which is free and open to the public, will take place downtown Waterloo. Street closures downtown will be bounded by Highway 63 North and West 4th Street, and between Washington Street and Cedar River Street. These streets will be closed from 6:00am to 12:00am. Additionally Park Avenue between Sycamore and Cedar Street will close on Tuesday, July 27th starting at 1:00 pm.
Tavis Hall, Executive Director of Experience Waterloo says “Generally, roadways are not completely closed to vehicular traffic along the RAGBRAI route, although the public is generally advised to find alternative routes during RAGBRAI.”
“Once riders are here, they can utilize the trail systems around town, to the main campgrounds at Exchange Park, San Souci, Tibbetts Field and Waterloo Water Works.
Typically, once cyclists settle into their campsite or hotel, they can utilize shuttles. However, residents should be aware of extra cyclists throughout the entire day and next morning.”
“We are grateful for the help and support from law enforcement, the city of Waterloo, and volunteers who are helping make this RAGBRAI overnight stop happen. Having this assistance gives our community the ability to showcase our city as well as give a boost to our economy.”
Thursday morning when cyclists leave, they will be headed to Anamosa. Getting out of Waterloo they will take Burton Avenue, Fairview and Lafayette Street to Evansdale and then make their way south east.
Announcements about volunteer needs, music line-ups and more will be made over the next few weeks.
For information about Waterloo RAGBRAI go to experiencewaterloo.com.
For more information about the entire RAGBRAI route go to www.ragbrai.com
