IA 44 Improvement Project – Notes from the Engineer

During the week of July 5, 2010 to July 9, 2010, Reilly worked in the area between Maplewood Drive and Brookside Drive placing and compacting fill for the relocated paving.  Reilly completed final grading in the area between Brookside Drive and the west end of the project and started placing granular base for the paving.

Reilly also completed paving removals and most of the grading on IA 44 between S. James Street and Maplewood Drive.  This work is being done under traffic with flagging.  Traffic through the construction area during daylight hours is one lane with flaggers.   Access to properties between S. James Street and SW Maplewood Drive is being maintained.

Halbrook Excavating is on site and is installing storm sewers in the area between Maplewood Drive and S. James Street.

The Underground Company was not able to work on extending the box culvert because of high water flows due to the amount of rain that has occurred.  This work resumed on Thursday 8, 2010 and is expected to be completed by July 22, 2010 weather permitting.

Electric conduit installation between SE Main Street and SE Little Beaver Drive is generally completed.  Pulling wires into conduits is proceeding on schedule.

Gas main construction activities along IA 44 are almost complete.  Installation of new gas main in James Street is to begin Monday July 11, 2010.

On S. James Street, work on relocating underground phone lines is proceeding. Halbrook Excavating continued installation of storm sewer and intakes for the new paving on S. James Street.  Conflicts with existing water mains slowed progress on installation of the storm sewer.

Traffic on James Street to and from west IA 44 is detoured through Kennybrook Subdivision and traffic on James Street to and from east IA 44 is detoured on S. Third Street and on S. Ewing Street.

More information about project phasing and designated detour routes will be available on the City of Grimes web site through the duration of the project.   Should you have any questions or concerns about this project, please HWY 44 Project Engineer, Jerry Byg at 515-291-2241.  Note that Mr. Byg will be onsite for the duration of the project.  There is a project trailer located at Grimes City Hall.