When the initial announcement was made about this month’s meeting regarding expansion of US 30 between Tama and IA 21, I noted the text left an opening for leaving existing 30 behind as a frontage road. The map (PDF) does not have “obliterate” on any part of existing 30, but it shows gravel driveways being laid on top of the road. This article from the Tama-Toledo newspapers about the March 3 meeting makes it clear the current road will be removed. Besides, Tama County wouldn’t want to be left with the bridges over Otter Creek and the old railroad grade.
The intersection with E66, where the 1937 alignment of 30 through the Bohemian Alps continues eastward while the Lincoln Highway goes to Chelsea, will be closed off. A new curve will be built so E66 intersects 30 a mile to the east.
Under the current five-year plan, right-of-way acquisition (every house and farmstead on the north side) will be in 2017, bridges and grading in 2018, paving of the whole thing in 2020, and obliteration of the existing road in 2021.