The Iowa Department of Transportation has announced a new website with information regarding the Highway 71 construction project which is set to begin this spring and is expected to be complete in 2024. The project will improve pavement, intersections, and sidewalks.
Officials say they will make efforts to not interrupt the busy summer season by completing the road work during “off-peak” tourist season that’s before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. The work is scheduled to be completed in four phases over two years.
DOT Officials say some of the improvements you can expect to see in the area when the project is done include:
- New pavement on U.S. 71 from Okoboji Grove Road in Arnolds Park through Okoboji View Avenue in Okoboji.
- Extension of the three-lane section of U.S. 71 to the south of Lake Street.
- Improved mobility in the area by updating the sidewalks to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- New barrier rail that separates vehicles from pedestrians on the causeway.
- Aesthetic enhancements on the causeway barrier rail and updated pavement in the space between the road and the barrier rail.
- New traffic signals at Lake Street and Linden Street in Arnolds Park.
The first phase of the project is set to begin in mid-March, and conclude before Memorial Day weekend.
Courtesy of media partner KUOO
