Wide time frame for roadwork between Louisa, Washington counties

WASHINGTON — County officials set a wide time range for expected major roadwork between Ainsworth and Columbus Junction as a detour route is planned.

Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius said an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation would send traffic from the stretch of Highway 92 to County Road G-36, just under five miles to the north. The detour arrangement is valid for over two consecutive years from May 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2025.

Thorius said the highway would not be blocked the whole time, but that the state required more wiggle room after delays planning the project, which will completely reconstruct the heavily-used commute route.

“They’re hoping to have a (bid) letting in May, maybe, at the earliest, maybe June,” he said. “They’re not sure if any work will happen this year, so they’re having some flexibility for that contractor. They just need a longer time to have that detour agreement.”

Once construction begins, Thorius said the project required a whopping 240 working days. Tentative roadwork plans call for the road to reopen between construction seasons.

The project’s late start date is April of 2024, although Thorius said bids would allow work to begin anywhere in the range of the detour agreement.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com