Construction continues soon on Dogwood Avenue

RUBIO — Construction will resume May 12 on Dogwood Avenue, near McKain’s River Access to the Skunk River in Washington County. A press release from the Washington County Engineer’s Office said the work would close the road to through traffic from 295th Street north to the existing pavement, at the intersection with a rural home’s driveway.

The massive regrading project started in late 2023, with contractors now set to elevate the roadway and swap an overhead railroad bridge for an at-grade crossing in an effort to “provide another paved road corridor over the Skunk River,” and ease travel through the southwest part of the county according to Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius in several press releases.

The local official has previously called the endeavor “one of the largest, if not the largest, overall road improvement project Washington County has undertaken.”

Weather permitting, the county says contractors expect to finish the upcoming phase of the project by Oct. 31, 2025. The work was awarded to Cornerstone Excavating, for a bid of $888,108.25, according to the latest press release, which directed anyone with questions to call (319) 653-7731.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com