What is the project?
Iowa DOT will be resurfacing Highway 38 from the Monticello Airport to Main Street, and from Main Street west on First Street to Cedar, then north on Cedar to 9th Street.
The project is considered a “grind and overlay” project, where the contractor will grind off 3” of the existing surface of the roadway, then will lay 3” of fresh asphalt back down, in two layers of 1-1/2” each.
Part of the project includes curb and sidewalk repairs, and the addition of accessibility improvements and handicap ramps at intersections with crosswalks.
What is the timeframe?
Contractors are hoping to start next week, May 9. They will grind the existing roadway, and lay the first level of asphalt. This is expected to take 2 weeks.
They will then come in to repair the curbs and do the sidewalk and accessibility improvements. They are hoping to start this work on May 23, and will take about a month.
Then after the concrete work is completed, they will lay the final layer of asphalt and finish striping the lanes. This is expected to be complete by the end of June.
All timelines can be impacted and delayed by weather.
What can I expect while they are working?
Most of the work will be completed with single lane closures and flaggers. There may be some spot repair work which may require an overnight lane closure, at which point temporary traffic signals may be used.
The grinding of the existing pavement is done one lane at a time and the lane is repaved with the first layer of asphalt shortly after the grinding is done. The grinding process is loud and dusty, and there will be disruption while the equipment is working in front of your store or home. While laying the asphalt, there will be an oily odor, which dissipates quickly as the asphalt cools. Both processes will require quite a bit of dump truck traffic, either delivering asphalt or hauling away the grindings.
There will be short periods of time when your driveway and/or parking may be blocked, but it should be only minutes at a time.
After the grinding is done and initial layer of asphalt is installed, the curb and sidewalk repair work will begin. This work is most likely to impact you, since there needs to be time to allow the concrete sidewalks and curbs to cure before walking or driving on them. If there is work near your driveway or in front of your home or business, it may block some pedestrian access. Please be patient as these improvements will benefit you and our community once complete.
How long will the road be closed?
There are no road closures planned during this project. Most of the work should be completed with single lane closures and flaggers.
Will I be able to use my driveway/parking lot?
There will be short periods of time when your driveway and/or parking may be blocked by equipment working in the street, but it should be only minutes at a time. There may be limited access during concrete cure times, if there are curb or sidewalk repairs occurring near or along your driveway or parking area. These impacts should be minimal.
How will project impact the Fair and/or the 4th of July Parade?
The project should be completed (weather pending) before the 4th of July weekend, and should not impact either event.
Who do I call with questions or concerns?
This is an Iowa DOT (State) project, but please call City Hall at 319-465-3577, with any questions or problems. We will be happy to get you in touch with the right people to deal with your concerns.