The City of Bettendorf has plans for a unique ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark and celebrate the opening this week of the $11.5 million Forest Grove Drive Reconstruction Project.
At 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, the project’s contractor Valley Construction will drive one of its front loaders through a banner spanning the roadway to celebrate the milestone re-opening.Â
Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher will share remarks with attendees during the celebratory drive-through. The public then is invited to participate in an Open Road Open House at The Plex, which consists of more than 30 stores, restaurants, bars and the TBK Sports Complex.Â
According to a city news release, this is an opportunity to reintroduce people to this vibrant commercial area and to show support for the dozens of businesses that have endured months of construction.Â
Three areas will open after the ceremony, which is open to the public:Â
- Middle Road south of Forest Grove Drive.
- Forest Grove Drive and Middle Road.
- Forest Grove Drive and Championship Drive (west of Middle Road).Â
Rock Island-based Valley Construction began the final phase of reconstruction in February.
 In 2022, Valley completed the extension of Competition Drive from the sports complex and surrounding businesses into the new developing additions including the Iron Tee golf facility.
But the city’s efforts to improve traffic flow around the growing TBK Bank Sports complex date back to 2015 with the widening and upgrading of Forest Grove. The federally-funded project between Bettendorf and Davenport upgraded both Forest Grove and Veterans Memorial Parkway in Davenport.Â
Until Forest Grove Road opens Wednesday, motorists should be aware that the closures and detour routes – that began Sept. 5 – will remain in place. For more details on road closures, detours and construction, visit forestgrovedrive.com.
