Shifty Business

CITY ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO STAGGER WORK SHIFTS

Iowa City is turning to local business owners to request their help in reducing the traffic congestion that has resulted from flood-related street and bridge closures. Employers are being asked to consider staggering their work shifts so that the volume of traffic between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. can be more evenly distributed. Scheduling some shifts earlier or later than normal business hours will help relieve the gridlocks occurring on Burlington Street, Melrose Avenue, and other streets that are now absorbing traffic from streets that have been closed due to floodwaters or for other safety reasons.

In addition to staggering shifts, the City is asking businesses to allow employees to telecommute whenever possible, and to promote alternative modes of transportation for getting to and from work, including the City bus system, biking, walking, or carpooling to help lower the number of vehicles on the road. Any measures that will help reduce or eliminate non-essential travel throughout the City during the flood recovery process are being encouraged to help keep roads open and accessible for vehicles that will be providing emergency or post-flood services. The Iowa City Police Department will continue to provide assistance by directing traffic at key intersections until more streets and roadways are cleared for travel.

For more information, contact Wendy Ford, City of Iowa City Economic Development Coordinator at 356-4248 or Wendy-ford@iowa-city.org.

Flood-related questions may be directed to the City’s Flood Control Center at 887-6202 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.