News Release

Proposed relocation of U.S. 20 in Calhoun County
to be discussed at Dec. 14 hearing

 

AMES , Iowa – The proposed four-lane relocation of U.S. 20 in Calhoun County will be discussed at a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005. The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold the hearing at the Rockwell City-Lytton High School Commons , 1000 Tonawanda Ave. , Rockwell City . The public is invited to attend any time between 5 and 7 p.m.

The proposed U.S. 20 relocation begins one-half mile west of Iowa 4, at a point one-half mile south of 230th Street , and continues east generally along the half section line to near Zearing Avenue . Total length of the improvement is 13.5 miles. This project is part of the improvement of U.S. 20 from Early to Fort Dodge and will connect to the proposed four-lane project which extends from Zearing Avenue to Moorland.

From the beginning of the project west of Iowa 4 to the proposed four-lane roadway at Zearing Avenue , the improvement provides for construction of a four-lane divided highway on relocated alignment. With the exception of a 2.5 mile segment near Knierim, the new roadway would generally be constructed approximately 0.5 mile south of and parallel to 230th Street along the half section line. As relocated U.S. 20 approaches Waukon Avenue , just west of Knierim, the alignment turns south slightly and bridges the Chicago , Central and Pacific Railroad (CC&P RR) at the CC&P RR's existing crossing with Waukon Avenue . After crossing the railroad the alignment turns northeast, returns to the half section line, and continues to the end of the project near Zearing Avenue . Traffic would be maintained on existing U.S. 20 and Iowa 4 during construction.

The completed facility would provide two 24-foot wide roadways with 6-foot wide inside and 10-foot wide outside shoulders and a grass median.

The improvement will be constructed in phases. All the right-of-way necessary for the proposed improvement would be acquired and the majority of the grading would be completed; however, only the future eastbound lanes would be paved initially. The initial stage of construction would provide a two-lane 24 foot wide facility with head-to-head traffic. Local roads would be connected to the new two-lane facility.

An interchange with relocated U.S. 20 would be constructed at Iowa 4. Although the full interchange would be graded initially only the two east ramps would be paved. This would provide access between U.S. 20 and Iowa 4. The interchange bridges over Iowa 4 would be constructed in the future with the project to the west. Drainage structures would be constructed as necessary. When the ultimate project is complete, left-turn lanes would be provided at all county road intersections and right-turn lanes would be constructed at the paved county roads that meet traffic requirements.

Access rights would be acquired for relocated U.S. 20 and Iowa 4 as part of this improvement. Access to U.S. 20 would be allowed at county road intersections and by interchange only. Local road connections with new U.S. 20 would be provided at all local roads except for Waukon Avenue . Waukon Avenue would be closed at relocated U.S. 20.

No formal presentation will be made at the hearing, but Iowa Dot staff members will be present with displays and related information to discuss the project informally with interested persons.

General information about the project or hearing is available from Tony Lazarowicz, assistant District 3 engineer, P.O. Box 987 , 2800 Gordon Drive , Sioux City , IA 51102-0987 , telephone 712-276-1451 or 800-284-4368, e-mail at tony.lazarowicz@dot.iowa.gov .

 

 

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