Assistant Highway Traffic Engineer Tony Gustafson said sections of Highway 14 north of town will be closed for 60 days.

New concrete will be added and widened shoulders are to be installed.

On U.S. Highway 30 east of Tama, contractors will complete grading for the new four-lane on the north side of the existing highway.

Three alternate routes were considered, but the route proceeding north of Highway 30 was chosen by the DOT. The route was preferred because it provides the safest work area with no direct traffic flow in the construction area. In addition, it will allow the paving work to be completed sooner.

T-R FILE PHOTO It is at this point along U.S. Highway 30 eastbound the road narrows from a four-lane to a two-lane. The IDOT is set to make the stretch four-lane in the immediate future, with grading and concrete work set for this summer.

Once grading is complete, crews will pour concrete for the roadway.

The construction of the new four-lane roadway will eventually eliminate the section of Highway 30 east of Tama-Toledo at mile marker 206 which narrows from four lanes to two.

Drivers must lower speeds and make immediate adjustments for oncoming traffic.

Also to be installed this summer, Gustafson said, will be new ramps for the Highway 21 intersection.

State Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) said there are benefits to having Highway 30 be a complete four-lane route through Tama County and into eastern Iowa.

“It makes it more attractive for future businesses to locate here,” he said. “Adding existing businesses, like Iowa Premium Beef in Tama, will benefit from easier-flowing traffic.”

——

Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com