Sioux Center’s Highway 75 reconstruction potentially may begin in summer 2023.
“We’re looking forward to the benefits of this – safety for travelers and pedestrians, better function, replacing aging pavement, and an improved look,” said Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein. “It’s been a process preparing for this. We’re glad construction is set to begin next year.”
DGR Engineering, along with Hulstein and City Manager Scott Wynja, shared a project update with the City Council this week. Planned reconstruction is divided into two phases likely spread over three years.
Phase 1 of construction is tentatively set to start in summer 2023, stretching from 20th St. S to about 13th St. S. This stage also includes the reconstruction of about a block of 16th St. SW to make safety improvements and adding a stoplight at 20th St. S. This portion of the project is estimated at $11 million, with the City’s share at $1.8 million, including utility work.
Phase 1 construction is anticipated as soon as the summer of 2023. The project is slated to go out to bid for contractors this December, pending DOT approval.
Phase 2 will be constructed in a two-year period, 2024-25:
- From 4th St. S to 12th St. N
- From 13th St. S to 4th St. S
Engineers are planning for two-way traffic to continue through most of the project, with a few detours during replacement of deep sewer lines. Most construction will pause during winter months.
The DOT has begun working with property owners along the Phase 1 section of roadway to purchase right of way and temporary or permanent easements. The DOT handles this whole process, Bruce said.
Property owners along Phases 2 may not hear from the DOT regarding right of way or easement purchases until next year.
Some pre-project work may take place sooner in 2023. Staff shared a proposed paving project that would extend 1st Ave SW near Snap Fitness north to 13th St. SW, then connect 13th St. SW from 1st Ave. to Highway 75.
“This creates an additional route during Highway 75 construction, and it opens an area for future commercial and retail development,” Wynja said.
The council also discussed streetscape design, which has been guided by community feedback. Plans include pedestrian safety elements, like well-marked pedestrian crossings and rapid-flashing pedestrian lights, as well as traffic calming features, like landscaped medians with trees, cut stone accents, and some colored concrete and tree plantings along the roadway.
Communication will be central to the success of this project, and communication efforts are being planned to serve all users and neighbors of Highway 75. People can sign up for text and email alerts for the project at www.siouxcenter.org/alerts.
The 2.5-mile Highway 75 reconstruction project stretches nearly end-to-end in Sioux Center. It will replace the deteriorating pavement and rebuild the roadway in a safety-based design to better serve the community for decades. Highway 75 reconstruction is a shared project between the City and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
To see larger concept of Phase 1, click on image below: