DOT begins Highway 1 improvement work

Highway 1 improvements under way between Solon and Iowa City this spring should make the stretch safer and faster for travelers, Iowa Department of Transportation officials say.

The project includes the widening and asphalt paving of shoulders along the two-lane route. It also will include new turn lanes at four intersections that will prevent turning vehicles from slowing traffic; grading of the shoulder slopes to a safer angle; and relocating the entrance to Rapid Creek Road southward to accommodate a bridge widening project.

“This should definitely help traffic flow on that road when we get finished,” said Carey Lewis, the DOT's Manchester-based resident construction engineer.

The work is not as extensive as called for in some earlier proposals to make the highway a “Super 2” thoroughfare, with only two travel lanes but passing lanes on grades and other improvements.

L.L. Pelling Co. recently began work at the south end of the project near Interstate 80 under an $8.14 million contract with the DOT.

The turn lanes will be added at Northgate Drive and Morse, Newport and Rapid Creek roads.