Travel Opportunities Available Now – Newton Daily News

After months of anticipation, Highway F-48 west of Newton and east of Colfax is finally back open. The Jasper County Engineer’s Office announced the unofficial reopening of the road on August 8th, marking the completion of the first phase of a major rejuvenation project.

The project, which began in mid-March, focused on a 5.8-mile stretch of roadway known locally as “Old Highway 6.” This section of highway, running from the South Skunk River to the Newton city limits, had not seen any significant upgrades since the 1970s. The county recognized the need for improvements and embarked on a comprehensive resurfacing project to enhance the safety and quality of the road.

According to the Jasper County Engineer’s Office, the resurfacing of Highway F-48 is a top priority for the Secondary Roads Department. Due to the length of the highway and the limited construction season in Iowa, the project was divided into three phases spanning over the next three years. The completion of the first phase marks a significant milestone in the overall plan to revitalize this important transportation route.

The work completed in the first phase included the removal of the existing pavement and the replacement with 8 inches of concrete at the Interstate 80 interchange. In the rural section of Highway F-48, the road was milled three inches and replaced with a base course asphalt mix and a surface course asphalt mix. Additionally, a 2-foot shoulder and safety edge were constructed to enhance safety for motorists.

In the urban section of the highway, from West 36th Street North to Thomas Jefferson Drive, similar resurfacing work was carried out. The road was milled three inches and replaced with base and surface course asphalt mixes to improve the driving experience for residents and commuters in the area.

Looking ahead, the second phase of the Highway F-48 West project will focus on the stretch of road from the east city limits of Colfax to the South Skunk River. This phase is scheduled to take place between June and August 2025, with the final phase completing the work from the Polk County line to the west city limits of Colfax starting in June 2026 and concluding by August 2026, weather permitting.

Overall, the completion of the first phase of the Highway F-48 rejuvenation project is a significant achievement for the Jasper County Engineer’s Office and the Secondary Roads Department. The successful reopening of this vital transportation route demonstrates their commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the safety and quality of roadways in the region. With two more phases to go, residents and commuters can look forward to a smoother and safer driving experience on Highway F-48 in the years to come.