Traffic switch on U.S. 61 in Des Moines County begins Friday, July 23
FAIRFIELD, Iowa – July 21, 2021 – A construction project to increase U.S. 61 from two to four lanes beginning just north of Burlington to just south of 210th Street in Des Moines County requires shifting traffic beginning at 8 a.m. Friday morning, July 23, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fairfield construction office.
U.S. 61 traffic is currently in a head-to-head traffic pattern on the existing roadway but will be shifted onto the newly completed southbound portion of the highway in a head-to-head pattern to allow the northbound half of the highway and bridge to be built. During the traffic switch, sideroads will be closed during different phases of construction, and traffic at 130th Street and 150th Street will use an onsite detour as needed. No two adjacent sideroads are to be closed at the same time.
During this stage of the traffic switch, Upper Flint Road will remain open until the Des Moines County Road X-99 project is complete. Once Des Moines County Road X-99 is open, the contractor will close Upper Flint Road to rebuild the U.S. 61 and Upper Flint Road intersection. All resident, business, farmstead, and field entrances are to remain open to traffic at all times except during reconstruction of the specific entrances.
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.
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Contact: Hector Torres-Cacho at 641-469-4007 or [email protected]