(KIWA Staff Photo)
Sioux County, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Construction season continues across Sioux County, with County Engineer Joel Sikkema updating supervisors June 30th on several major road, bridge, and flood recovery projects, including an explanation for why work on the B-40 concrete overlay has taken longer than many motorists expected.
Sikkema said the concrete paving portion of the B-40 project was completed quickly, but shoulder work has progressed more slowly than anticipated.
Sikkema acknowledged the county has received feedback from residents about the extended closure but noted the contractor remains within the allotted contract working days.
He said contractors have been balancing multiple projects across Sioux County during the construction season and that recent rainfall, while beneficial for farmers, has also slowed construction progress.
Harrison Avenue Nearing Completion
Elsewhere, Sikkema reported shouldering work has been completed on the Harrison Avenue concrete paving project. The road will reopen after seeding, pavement striping, and sign installation are completed.
Boyden Shop Project Moves Forward
Supervisors also approved plans and specifications for a new secondary roads maintenance shop south of Boyden. The project is scheduled to be let for bids on July 28th.
Highway 60 Bridge Project Planned for 2027
The board also approved a pre-construction agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for a bridge replacement project on Highway 60. The project will require the temporary closure of 500th Street while traffic is shifted onto one side of the highway during construction. The work is expected to take place in 2027.
Flood Recovery Continues
Sikkema also updated supervisors on ongoing recovery efforts from the 2024 flooding.
Repairs to the Dipper Avenue bridge have been completed, and it has reopened to traffic. Two bridges northwest of Rock Valley remain under environmental and historic preservation review before construction can begin. Plans also call for replacing the temporary railroad tanker-car crossing next summer.
