Changed from four moving traffic lanes to two and a turn lane ...

Part of the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) paving project of Highways 9 and 76 through Waukon has included a reduction in the number of traffic lanes on the hill approaching Waukon (photo above) and the hill exiting Waukon (photo below). Prior to the current project, each direction of traffic had two lanes of moving traffic, but the newly paved roadways (pictured above) will now have a single lane each of northbound and southbound moving traffic with a center turn lane (designated by painted arrows at various points). The decision was made after discussion by DOT and City of Waukon officials in an effort to enhance traffic safety within that stretch of roadway. Iowa DOT Field Services Coordinator for District 2 Pete Hjelmstad says the overall paving project is beginning to wind down and should have a majority of the traffic-impacting work completed within the first week of October, with signs and traffic signals still needing to be installed over the next several weeks as they become available. Standard photos by Joe Moses.