Fairfield reminds residents not to drive around Hwy 1 barricades

FAIRFIELD – Fairfield city officials are asking the public to hold on for one more week before driving through South Highway 1, which will remain under construction until Dec. 8 when it opens to through-traffic.

Fairfield City Administrator Doug Reinert said there have been multiple near misses between vehicles and cement mixers or construction workers. The city even asked the Fairfield Police Department to patrol the area in response to so many people going through the barricades.

“The police are pulling people over, but they don’t want to issue tickets. It’s more for education,” Reinert said. “It has been helpful, and the contractors feel safer.”

Fairfield Public Works Director and City Engineer Melanie Carlson said that some of the driveways will not be paved by Dec. 8, so she expects Drish Construction to remain on site for another week while they finish the shoulders of the road.

Reinert said the road will open on Dec. 8 and remain open until April 1, when the intersection with Fillmore Avenue will close again for construction. That intersection will be closed for about a month.

“Our contractors have performed admirably,” Reinert said. “The craftsmanship on this project is second to none.”

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com