The westernmost mile of San Marnan Drive in Waterloo has been renamed. As of Sept. 1, the segment from Ansborough Avenue west to West 4th Street is Van G. Miller Way.
Miller founded VGM Group, a company located on the street. The press release says Miller “was well-known for his commitment to the Waterloo community and generous support of local causes. That commitment and support continue to this day through the organizations that bear his name.”
San Marnan Drive was purposefully built by the Iowa Highway Commission. The land was originally intended to be part of a relocated US 20, but the freeway didn’t materialize until decades later and half a mile south. The road became IA 412 instead. Much of the renamed segment was rebuilt and shifted southward in the 2010s. The road’s history actually became a factor in a court saga in the 2010s. The case, alleging the city of Waterloo’s improper sale of right-of-way, repeatedly went to the Iowa Supreme Court. The issue was not finally resolved until 2019.
KWWL has a short video that shows the slight bend in the road.