New 164-Foot Alliant Energy LightLine Tower Goes Up in Cedar Rapids

A major milestone has been reached in ConnectCR's latest revitalization project! The new Alliant Energy LightLine® Tower is now complete, standing 164-feet tall over the Cedar River near Mount Trashmore.

ConnectCR

About the Tower

The new tower is part of the Alliant Energy LightLine® project, a new pedestrian bridge and trail that "will connect New Bohemia and Czech Village and provide a safe, non-vehicle crossing of the Cedar River for walkers, bicyclists, families, and others." Construction on the new project began back in April of 2025, and since then, steady progress has been made. You can see all the monthly updates on the Alliant Energy LightLine® on ConnectCR's website HERE.

ConnectCR

The latest update from ConnectCR came on Wednesday, October 14th, one day after the final section of the Alliant Energy LightLine® Tower was put into place. The Corten steel tower, which is located near Mount Trashmore, now stands 164-feet tall over the Cedar River. The steel has a rusted apperance, a design element that was done intentionally as a tribute to the area's past. The press release reads:

"It honors Cedar Rapids’ rich industrial history and the industries that once thrived along this stretch of the river. Its warm earth tone also complements the Cedar River landscape. The bridge’s railings and other components will share the same finish."

The holes in the Alliant Energy LightLine® Tower will be where the interior LED lighting is visible, and ConnectCR says that it "can be programmed in various colors
to recognize special occasions in the city." Additional lighting will be located at the base of the tower, and will also line the rails of the bridge, creating a 'LightLine.'

ConnectCR

What's Next?

There is still more work to be done on the Alliant Energy LightLine®, but that's not the only project that ConnectCR is currently working on. They're also in the process of revitalizing the area around Cedar Lake. Plans call for a boardwalk that extends over the lake, new launch/landing docks for canoes and kayaks, enhanced park entrances, a challenge course/playground, new fishing jetties, floating islands, and more. According to ConnectCR, the LightLine is on track to be completed this fall, and the Cedar Lake project is expected to be finished by the end of 2027.

Courtlin

For the latest updates from ConnectCR, you can check out the official website HERE, and follow them on Facebook HERE.

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: A New Holiday Pop-Up Shop Has Opened in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village