The fourth and final year of Highway 75 reconstruction in Sioux Center is expected to begin later this month, with work focused between 5th Street North and just south of 12th Street North.
Justin Christensen of DGR Engineering updated the Sioux Center City Council Monday night, outlining what residents and businesses can expect in 2026.
Depending on the weather, crews could begin work in late March or early April.
Christensen said the city’s goal this year is to reduce disruption as much as possible.
Rolling Lane Closures First
Early in the season, crews will use rolling lane closures rather than full shutdowns. Traffic will continue moving through Highway 75, though left turns will be restricted in active construction zones.
Work will resume on water mains between 5th and 7th Streets North and sanitary sewer lines between 8th and 12th Streets North. Additional storm sewer and utility work will follow on the west side of the highway.
Christensen told council members the contractor will limit lane closures to one or two blocks at a time to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Full Closures After Memorial Day
Full highway closures are anticipated to begin in late May — ideally after Memorial Day — when underground sewer work moves into the middle of the roadway.
Christensen explained how the contractor’s timeline is structured.
He said contractors are incentivized to complete as much work as possible before full closures begin, because once the road is officially closed, their allotted working days start counting down.
Business Access & Communication
Later in the summer, closures will expand north between 9th Street and 12th Street as crews complete utility crossings, grading, and paving.
A central section near Casey’s, the Econolodge, and nearby businesses is expected to remain open to local traffic during portions of construction to preserve access. City officials said they are already working directly with property owners to explore temporary driveways and shared access options where needed.
Christensen emphasized that ongoing communication will be critical throughout the project, noting that when people don’t have accurate information, assumptions tend to fill the gap.
Lighter Workload This Year
City Manager Scott Wynja asked whether this year’s workload compares to 2025. Christensen said it is lighter, with less deep underground work remaining — one of the primary causes of delays in prior phases.
If the weather cooperates, Christensen said he hopes the city will be celebrating completion before November.
The Highway 75 reconstruction project — a joint effort between the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City of Sioux Center — has rebuilt approximately 2.5 miles of roadway with four lanes, center turn lanes, medians, sidewalks, and upgraded utilities.
Monthly public construction meetings will resume at the Sioux Center Public Library during construction season.
