Project Description

This project includes the complete reconstruction of W 8th St N, Union Drive, and W 4th St N; all between N 4th Ave W and the north City Limits north of N 19th Ave W. The street sections are past their useful life, are generally too narrow, and are in need of constant repairs.

Project Budget

The project cost is $4.2 million dollars. $3.35 million will come from a Surface Transportation Block Grant Federal-Aid Swap Agreement through the Iowa DOT. The balance will be paid using a mixture of Road Use Tax Funds, General Fund Bonds, and other possible local funds. This agreement includes requirements related to the design, administration, funding, and construction of the project. The Iowa DOT agreement number on this project is 1-20-STBG-SWAP-030; and the project number is STBG-SWAP-5482(622)---5G-50.

Project Management

This project was awarded to Reilly Construction Co., Inc. of Ossian, IA.

City Project Managers:

Joe Grife, Public Works Director
[email protected]
641-792-6622

Brandon Schakel, Engineering Tech
[email protected]
641-792-6622

Project Status & Updates

Please continue to check back to this page for project updates.

Update 4/10/24

• The next phase of the Union Drive Reconstruction will close the intersection of N 19th Ave W and Drive/W 4th St N. A posted detour for drivers on Hwy 14 trying to access N 19th Ave W will be posted; as well as for drivers traveling west on N 19th Ave W. This closure will begin on April 15, 2024.
• This map shows the posted detour.

Update 3/12/24

• Reilly Construction will close W 4th St N from N 15th Ave W to N 19th Ave W beginning on March 18 to complete the Union Drive Reconstruction project. The closure will have a signed detour.
• The road closure above will also affect traffic into Union Cemetery; to access the cemetery you will want to take W 8th St N north off of Union Drive and turn right onto N 15th Ave W where there will be two entrances into Union Cemetery.
• This map shows the road closure, as well as the detour into Union Cemetery.

Update 11/30/23

• Union Drive has undergone a substantial transformation, covering the stretch from N 4th Ave W to N 15th Ave W. This revamped segment guarantees a smoother commute and upgraded infrastructure for all travelers along this vital route.
• Our focus shifts to the future completion of the remaining section of Union Drive, situated north of N 15th Ave W, expected in the spring/summer 2024. This progress aligns with our commitment to providing enhanced connectivity for the community.
• Say goodbye to the rural charm of Union Drive! The absence of curbs has been addressed with a significant facelift. The introduction of curbs and gutters not only elevates the road's visual appeal but also contributes to a more contemporary and efficient design.
• As winter approaches, a crucial update on road maintenance - in order to preserve the integrity of the new construction, sand will be utilized on Union Drive instead of salt. Exercise caution during winter weather, and consider alternative routes for a safer drive. Your cooperation is vital for the longevity of these improvements.

UPDATE 11/1/23

• The Union Drive project is progressing steadily as Iowa Civil, a subcontractor of Reilly, paves the 400 Block of W 8th St N to connect Hartwig Way with N 4th Ave W. The team is scheduled to complete the mainline paving from 400 feet north of the N 9th Ave W intersection, extending south of N 15th Ave W, by Friday, 11/3/23. However, if weather conditions or material availability becomes an issue, the work may continue into Saturday, 11/4/23. Following the completion of mainline paving, the team will focus on driveways and intersections, followed by ongoing backfilling and grading work.

Update 8/8/23

Update 6/27/23

Update 5/8/2023

• We've got an update on the Union Drive project. The contractor is planning to close Union Drive between N 4th Ave W and N 7th Ave W. Union Drive remains CLOSED for through traffic between N 15th Ave W and N 4th Ave W. Questions? Contact the Public Works Department at 641-792-6622.

Update 4/4/2023

• The Union Drive Reconstruction Project is underway. Union Drive is CLOSED to through traffic between N 15th Ave W and N 4th Ave W. Any drivers that normally use Union Drive MUST USE the signed detour (shown in this image). Questions? Contact the Public Works Department at 641-792-6622.

Update 2/22/2023

• In preparation for the Union Drive Reconstruction Project, scheduled to begin in early April, the City of Newton plans to hold an open house. The open house will occur from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (101 W 4th Street S).
• This open house will allow residents to obtain additional information on the project. The information available will include planned improvements, construction schedules, road closures, and detours. Details regarding temporary accesses and services, including mail and garbage collection, will also be available.

Update 2/21/2023

• On Tuesday, February 14, City staff met with Reilly Construction Co. and their subcontractors to discuss the 2023 construction and phasing schedule for the reconstruction of Union Dr.
• The project's first phase will be removing trees and shrubs in the City right-of-way that conflicts with the proposed improvements. This work should begin by March 1. Per Iowa DOT specifications, tree removals must be completed before March 31 to help protect endangered species which may be living in the trees. During this work, intermittent lane closures on Union Dr. will be necessary; however, the road will remain open to traffic.
• Road construction requiring complete road closures will begin on Monday, April 3. The first phase of construction (Phase 1A) begins at N 7th Ave W and ends just north of N 9th Ave W. The second phase (Phase 1 B) will start shortly after Phase 1A. This second phase begins at N 4th Ave W and ends at N 7th Ave W. Paving of both phases will likely coincide.
• The posted detour for the initial phases of work will be 1st Ave W, 1st St N, and N 15th Ave W. City staff will schedule an open house soon to share information with the property owners along Union Dr. and answer any questions. Below is the planned phasing of the project, but as work progresses, this may change as needed. Currently, 131 of the initial 200 working days specified in the contract remain.

Project Maps & Additional Documents

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