Category Archives: Construction

Nov 15

US 20 link opens before ceremony

The last pieces of US 20 in the state to be paved, in 1938, are also the last pieces to be bypassed, nearly 75 years later. This is a slight twist on the usual process. New 20 is going to … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on US 20 link opens before ceremony
Nov 10

I-74 bridge timeline

The westbound (northbound) I-74 bridge predates the interstate highway system by more than 20 years. As revealed at a Bettendorf City Council meeting, construction on the new I-74 bridge will begin in 2019 with expected completion around 2023. The first … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous, Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on I-74 bridge timeline
Oct 18

Mt. Vernon-Lisbon bypass back on the list

A decade after thinking about and shelving the plan, a US 30 bypass of Mount Vernon and Lisbon has again advanced to the public-hearing stage. This year’s meeting will be Oct. 30 (PDF). The map is here (PDF). With the opening … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Mt. Vernon-Lisbon bypass back on the list
Oct 12

Progress in Bremer County

Assorted construction news around the state: Count this as another “de-clinching” of US 218 for me: New 218 around Janesville opened today, with an interchange at C50 and a closed intersection a mile south at the county line. The entire … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Progress in Bremer County
Oct 09

Old Iowa City bridge to be replaced

The Rochester Avenue bridge, called the most structurally deficient in Johnson County, will be replaced next year. When the bridge was built in 1934, Rochester Avenue carried IA 1 on the way to West Branch. IA 1 was rerouted at … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Old Iowa City bridge to be replaced
Sep 28

New US 20 mainline paved, needs finishing touches

Shoulder work remains to be completed on the new road from US 71 to IA 4, reports the Sioux City Journal, whose editorial board is pleased. If the ribbon ceremony is the weekend or the day before Thanksgiving, I will … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on New US 20 mainline paved, needs finishing touches
Sep 21

Small part of four-lane US 63 open now(ish)

A DOT press release from last week announced the imminent opening of the US 63/IA 3 interchange (formerly a four-way stop) and some four-lane to the north. The release text would indicate that the four-lane is already open 3.6 miles … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Small part of four-lane US 63 open now(ish)
Sep 17

US 20 on track to open early

Thanksgiving week is a possibility for the big stretch of US 20 between US 71 and IA 4 to open. (Fort Dodge Messenger) This would be the last major relocation for US 20. From 71 west, new lanes would likely … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on US 20 on track to open early
Sep 10

US 61 plans in Des Moines County

Stories from the Burlington Hawk Eye and KWQC. Maps are, as usual, at the DOT’s PIM site (look for Sept. 6). Just north of Burlington, the four-lane would eliminate the slight winds, then depending on the location run immediately east … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on US 61 plans in Des Moines County
Aug 27

Construction update for Sioux City

Rebuilding I-29 through the area is halfway done, the Sioux City Journal says — but that means there’s another five years of work ahead.

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Construction update for Sioux City