Iowa DOT seeks public input for U.S. 18 Corridor Study in Floyd and Chickasaw counties

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Iowa Department of Transportation is studying the U.S. Highway 18 corridor between Charles City and New Hampton to see if it would benefit from being converted to a “super-two” highway.

The study is aimed at identifying necessary improvements to enhance safety, accommodate future traffic demands and maximize the efficiency of the approximately 16-mile highway crossing joining Floyd and Chickasaw counties, according to the Iowa DOT.

No plans have been approved or money set aside for construction.

The U.S. 18 corridor study will gather input from the public, particularly from those who live, work and commute along the corridor, according to an informational video by the Iowa DOT.

The information gathered will help the Iowa DOT understand local transportation needs and the current condition of the infrastructure, including roadways and bridges, Iowa DOT said.

A key component of the study is the exploration of potential upgrades, including the implementation of “super-two” improvements that enhance the safety and efficiency of two-lane highways.

Super-two projects aim to create safer passing opportunities, reduce congestion and improve traffic flow without the extensive costs associated with four-lane highway expansions.

Super-two highways are designed to improve mobility and reduce the risk of severe head-on collisions by providing regular passing lanes – typically every 4-5 miles – allowing faster-moving vehicles to overtake slower ones safely.

This not only minimizes dangerous passing maneuvers but also improves traffic flow, reducing travel times and stress for daily commuters and freight drivers, the Iowa DOT said. Wider shoulders, enhanced signage and intersection improvements are also part of the “super-two” design.

The Iowa DOT’s study is currently in its first phase, which includes data gathering, crash analysis and public input through surveys.

The second phase will build on these findings to identify specific transportation needs and outline potential solutions, including precise locations for passing lanes and other improvements.

Upon completion of the study, a “vision document” will be created, outlining the preferred improvements for the U.S. 18 corridor and acting as a guide for future project development and potential funding allocation.

A second public information session is scheduled for Spring 2025, where the DOT will present its findings and gather further feedback from the community. The final vision document will incorporate this feedback.

These upgrades are part of the Iowa DOT’s broader strategy of “rightsizing” the state’s primary highway system, the department said. By implementing more cost-effective solutions like “super-two” highways, the state can address transportation needs while remaining within budget constraints.

The Iowa DOT is calling for extensive public participation in shaping the future of the U.S. 18 corridor.

The video informational program and survey are available at https://bit.ly/survey6226.

Residents, businesses and commuters who use the route are encouraged to provide their input online until Oct. 28, the Iowa DOT said.

“We want to hear from people who live, work, and travel along the U.S. 18 corridor,” said Iowa DOT officials. “Your input will help shape the future of this important route, ensuring it remains safe and efficient for years to come.”

In addition to the survey, opportunities for public involvement include online virtual public information meetings, updates through social media and a project website.

In addition to the website, questions, concerns or comments can be sent to to:

• Krista Billhorn, Iowa DOT District 2 Planner, at (641) 422-9447 or via email at krista.billhorn@iowadot.U.S.
• Adrianne Knight, Iowa DOT Location and Environment Bureau, at (515) 239-1912 or via email at adrianne.knight@iowadot.U.S.

Next steps in the survey process are:

• Public input survey deadline: Oct. 28, 2024.
• Second public information event: Spring 2025.
• Final vision document to be developed in late 2025.