Meeting Recap
Jacob Hahn Provides Update on Marion Infrastructure Projects and Road Construction
The Rotary Club welcomed Jacob Hahn, P.E., LEED AP, Deputy City Engineer for the City of Marion, as the featured speaker at our October 6 meeting.
Jacob serves in Marion's Public Works Department, where he helps oversee the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure projects throughout the community. He joined the City of Marion after more than a decade in consulting engineering, including time with Anderson Bogert Engineers & Surveyors, and was recognized as one of the Corridor Business Journal's Forty Under 40 honorees in 2024.
As Marion continues to grow, Jacob's presentation provided a timely look at the many infrastructure investments underway across the city and offered insight into the challenges of coordinating major construction projects while maintaining access for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Before discussing city projects, Jacob thanked Rotary for its support of community programs and shared that his son participated in Rotary's youth golf event this year, which was a memorable experience for their family.
Staying Up to Date on Construction Activity
Jacob explained that one of the most common questions he receives is simply, "What's going on with all the road closures?"
To help residents stay informed, the City of Marion offers several communication tools, including:
- An interactive construction project map on the city's website
- Email and text notifications for road closures and project updates
- A weekly construction newsletter that provides detailed status reports and upcoming work plans
These resources help residents better understand construction impacts and find answers to project-specific questions.
2026 Construction Highlights
Jacob oversees Marion's Capital Improvement Program, which includes roadway reconstruction, intersection improvements, trails, utilities, stormwater infrastructure, traffic operations, and long-range capital planning.
He highlighted several major projects completed or nearing completion during the 2026 construction season, including:
- Central Avenue/Palmer Road/Boyson Road sanitary sewer improvements, a $3 million project that significantly increased sewer capacity to support future growth.
- Marion Boulevard bridge approach repairs, addressing a longstanding bump at the bridge.
- 1st Avenue and 22nd Street reconstruction, including major pavement and utility improvements near Marion High School and FMI.
- CeMar Trail Phase 5, the final phase of the regional trail connection between Marion and Cedar Rapids, expected to be substantially complete later this fall.
- Annual pavement resurfacing, street patching, sewer rehabilitation, sidewalk ramp improvements, and other maintenance projects completed throughout the city.
Jacob also discussed improvements at the Indian Creek Trailhead and Site 1 Access Project, which includes parking, kayak access, and future trailhead amenities supported in part through grant funding.
Looking Ahead
Several significant projects are scheduled to begin or continue over the next two years.
Among the largest is the long-awaited Alburnett Road Extension, a project that has been discussed for decades and will create a new north-south corridor on Marion's west side. Construction recently began and is expected to continue through 2028.
Other upcoming projects include:
- The next phase of 7th Avenue reconstruction
- The Lucore Road pedestrian bridge and trail connection
- Highway 100 and Highway 13 improvements in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation
- Installation of additional bus shelters and transit stop improvements
- New wayfinding and gateway signage throughout the community
- Planned traffic operations and intersection improvements, including a potential future roundabout at 31st Street and 29th Avenue
Smarter Traffic Management
One of the more interesting future projects involves modernization of Marion's traffic signal system.
With grant assistance, the city will connect all traffic signals through a fiber-optic network, allowing staff to monitor signal operations remotely, respond more quickly to issues, collect real-time traffic data, and improve traffic flow throughout the city.
Questions and Discussion
The presentation generated a lively discussion covering trail connections, future roadway improvements, traffic safety, construction impacts, and sidewalk maintenance responsibilities.
Jacob explained that while homeowners are responsible for sidewalks adjacent to their property, Marion has developed a program that allows residents to participate in competitively bid sidewalk repair projects, helping reduce costs and make repairs more accessible.
Throughout the discussion, Jacob emphasized the importance of balancing growth, infrastructure investment, safety, and mobility while continuing to provide reliable public services.
Thank You
Thank you to Jacob Hahn for an informative and engaging presentation. His update provided Rotary members with a greater understanding of the extensive planning, engineering, and investment required to maintain and improve Marion's transportation and utility infrastructure while supporting the city's continued growth.