Lane closures on Highway 18 in Charles City begin next Monday

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A paving project on U.S. Highway 18 in Charles City will require intermittent lane closures beginning Monday, April 26, weather permitting, the Iowa Department of Transportation said.

The project — hot-mix asphalt resurfacing from Gilbert Street to the Chickasaw County line — is expected to be completed by mid-October, according to the Iowa DOT’s New Hampton construction office.

Street parking on U.S. 18 within the project area will not be allowed for the duration of the project.

“Traffic will not be detoured, but will be guided through the work zone by pilot cars and flaggers,” said Pete Hjelmstad, Iowa DOT District 2 field services coordinator.

Work within the city will also include underground utility replacement. Hjelmstad said one change from when the plans were originally announced is that there will be a detour when the contractor installs storm sewer crossings under the highway.

“We don’t know when that will happen yet, but notice will be given several days before, Hjelmstad said. “The detour is going to be Clark Street to B-57 and then back to US 18.  The city used this detour last summer for their utility work as well.”

The $4.6 million project includes milling and resurfacing the highway, new curb and gutter where there currently isn’t any, and updating sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

It will also include some new traffic and pedestrian signals.

The resurfacing of the highway will start with the contractor grinding off the existing surface of the pavement. The crew will patch the areas that need it, then resurface the highway with three inches of asphalt.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones.

“As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts,” the Iowa DOT said.