People could soon live in an area of Cedar Rapids where some grassy land sits right now.

In December, the first stretch of Highway 100 opened from Edgewood Road to Covington Road. The second part will run to Highway 30, and is scheduled to open late 2018.

Already, landscaping grading is happening on Phase Two of the project.

"We could, weather permitting, see some paving this year," DOT Transportation Planner Cathy Cutler said.

If all goes smoothly, Highway 100 could stretch down to E Avenue by late summer. DOT says there's a high demand for this road to be open.

"Along with Highway 30 on the south side, 151 and 13 on the east side, this will be the west side connection now, and you have 380 going through the heart of town," Cutler said.

Already, developers and real estate agencies are noticing a trend near here, with many crediting Highway 100.

"It will just help grow out, the way the corridor has grown north to south now we'll see more growth east to west, and specifically west," Co-owner of Revolution Realty Team Rob Stiles said.

Stiles says more properties have sold on the west side this year compared to the average. Could be a trend, or sign of the economy.

"Overall it's a really good market for sellers. There's a lot of people looking to buy right now," Stiles said.

Stiles also believes the west side of town could see new neighborhood developments in future years. The benefits could also travel to nearby towns.

"Smaller communities like Newhall, Atkins or anyone west on 30 are going to more easily get to Cedar Rapids," he said.

And DOT says this is the need it's heard for more than 20 years, since the project started.

"It really completes needed route around Cedar Rapids," Cutler said.

The City of Cedar Rapids has a plan to guide development along this new highway. The plan calls for a mix of housing and businesses, and is being put together by the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization.