ROAD CLOSED

Starting April 8, travelers who frequent Highway 14 from Monroe to Newton need to search for a new route. From the northern city limits of Monroe to South 60th Avenue West north of the Skunk River, road construction has closed the busy thoroughfare for an extended period of time.

“They anticipate the closure of this portion of the highway to last about three months,” Jasper County officials shared on the county website.

The Iowa Department of Transportation project, will put an overlay will be put on the existing pavement to hopefully improve the roadway. According to the county, the IDOT hopes to keep the F-62 intersection passable during the construction, but all other intersections with Highway 14 will be closed.

A detour route will be marked using Highway 163, Highway 117 and Interstate 80. IDOT said changes can be made to the detour routes during construction and to visit 511ia.org to find the most up-to-date detour route information.

“Pay attention to detour signing and message boards while driving,” IDOT said in a news release. “Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.”

Once the first portion of the project in complete, the next piece from South 60th Avenue to the City of Newton will be closed for resurfacing. Additional information will be shared by the IDOT when available as the project moves forward.