A long time highway extension is done, and soon cars and trucks can take advantage of it- and city leaders and Iowa Department of Transportation officials say the new path to the west of Cedar Rapids could create a miles-long chance for the city to grow.

Looking out the window Saturday it may not have seemed like a great day to get outside, But for a handful of people in Cedar Rapids, it was a chance to take advantage of a unique opportunity.

"For any city to thrive we have to have the ability to grow, and the Highway 100 extension will give us that opportunity," said Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart.

The extension to the west on Highway 100 was discussed for years- until the Iowa DOT came up with the $200 million to pay for it in 2013. Three years later in 2016, the first phase of the highway extension project opened. People spent the afternoon riding their bikes on the fresh payment.

Nearly two years to the date Saturday, despite the wet and windy weather, people celebrated with a bike ride. Even Mayor Hart put his helmet on.

"It's an exciting time in Cedar Rapids for lots of reasons and this is just one more big milestone for us," said Mayor Hart.

Prior to people walking and bike riding on the new highway, there was a press conference to celebrate the new addition.

"We always say that it's about mobility," said Mark Lowe, Director of the Iowa DOT. "There's a mission of mobility. And that mission of mobility has elements of safety, flow, accessibility and sustainability."

"Not only to create a route west that's easier and will relieve some of the traffic on 380 and some of the interior streets, but really give us a chance to grow our city in this direction," said Mayor Hart.

Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz echoed the anticipation of growth for the city.

"From a commercial perspective as well as from new households, as the mayor said- the opportunity to bring new individuals to our city," Pomeranz said.

Even though Saturday served as a chance to take a "test ride" on the highway, the Iowa DOT says the highway will not open for vehicles until later this winter.