Strategically Connected to Transportation

The Cedar Valley Region is a direct connection to efficiently serve national and global markets.

The Cedar Valley Region is situated in the upper Midwest on two key federal highways that provide direct access to Minneapolis/ St. Paul (MN), St. Louis (MO) and Madison (WI). Our area has an advanced transportation infrastructure comprised of interstates and highways, rail and air services.

Interstates and Highways

The Cedar Valley Region of Iowa is strategically connected in the upper Midwest on one of the fastest growing logistics corridors. The Cedar Valley sits along US Highway 20, a key four-lane east/west route with connections to the west reaching Interstate 35 (which runs from Northern Minnesota to the Mexican border) and to the east it joins US 151 with access to key metros in Wisconsin. By truck or car US Highway 218 and I-380 is a great route to reach Interstate 80 to the south and a shortcut to Interstate 35 to the north. Reach these key metro markets within a half-a-day by truck: Chicago, Omaha, St. Louis, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Sioux Falls, Milwaukee, Madison, and Kansas City.

Local Routes

• The Avenue of the Saints, a 600-mile north-south transportation corridor, linking the Region to St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN and St. Louis, MO. The Avenue provides a four-lane connection with two of America’s most traveled transcontinental interstates – I-35 and I-80.
• U.S. 20, a four-lane, federal highway connects the Region to both Coasts. Spanning 3,365 miles, it is the longest road in the United States. U.S. 20 connects with I-35 approximately 50 miles to the west of the Region and is a direct route to Chicago, IL approximately 265 miles to the east.
• The Region is served also by north-south corridor U.S. Highway 63 stretching south to Ruston, LA and north to Beloit, WI. U.S. 63 connects with I-90 approximately 90 minutes to the north of the Region.
• U.S. 18 east-west corridor crosses through the northern part of the Region providing a direct connection into downtown Milwaukee to the east and I-35 to the west.
• In addition, several state highways criss-cross the region providing connections to major U.S. transportation corridors and quick worker commuter routes.

Proximity to U.S. Business and Population Centers

Railroads

The Cedar Valley Region is served by the Union Pacific (UP) and Canadian National (CN) railroads. Canadian National carries freight east-west and Union Pacific carries freight north-south, connecting to the main Union Pacific line in Ames, IA. The region is also serviced by a shortline railroad, Iowa Northern Railway Company (IANR). New rail served industrial parks are located in many areas of the region.

Commercial Airports

Commercial air service is offered by Delta from the Waterloo Regional Airport in the heart of the Cedar Valley with daily flights connecting through Minneapolis. The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, is approximately a 45-60 minutes drive to the south of the area, and features nine non-stop destinations through four passenger airlines and three air cargo companies. Private aviation and major brand car rental service is available at both airports.

Public Transportation

The Iowa Northland Regional Transit Commission (RTC) provides open-to-the-public, accessible transit services within the Cedar Valley Region. Their primary customers are persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and Head Start children. In addition to providing transit, RTC is responsible for coordinating transportation in the region. Call 1-800-369-3022 for more information.