What was originally promised as a 15-month construction project appears to have been extended to two full construction seasons.
In March 2021, the closure of IA 17 east of Boone was announced. At the time, it was expected to be closed until July 2022. However, on the 511 site, there is still a closure there, with a completion date of November 23 (the day before Thanksgiving, the traditional end of construction season).
The detour route uses a newly constructed connector between IA 17 and the Lincoln Highway, so the work going on right now is on the bridge going over the Lincoln Highway and the railroad tracks. Regardless, the route for new 17 has not opened yet, and it could be another seven weeks.