Highway 18 Bridge Near Ionia Turnoff Open, DOT Open to Input on Highway 18 Improvements

The new Iowa Highway 18 bridge, built near the Ionia turnoff in Chickasaw County, was opened to traffic last Tuesday (10.15) afternoon.

Work began in April to replace the old bridge over the Winters Lake Overflow. 

That same week, a bridge replacement project began at the Iowa Highway 14 bridge over Flood Creek near Roseville. It reopened to traffic on September 20th, about a month ahead of the expected finish date. 

Pete Hjelmstad, with the Mason City District office of the Iowa DOT, says the Highway 14 bridge project was able to move quicker by avoiding Mother Nature mid-summer.

While the new Highway 18 bridge is a welcome improvement for motorists between Charles City and New Hampton, there could be additional enhancements coming down the road.

Hjelmstad says the DOT is currently seeking public input on the possibility of upgrading the bi-way to “Super 2” highway status.

Hjemlstad adds that while the DOT is taking public input, the final document will only be recommendations for improvements to Highway 18 between New Hampton and Charles City. That in turn means no funds are being allocated at this time and any future construction could be several years away.

The survey began Friday (10.18) and closes on Monday, October 28th and can be accessed here.