(Okoboji)– A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this (Fri.) afternoon on the Highway 71 project through the lakes corridor as crews are putting the finishing touches on things. Arnolds Park Mayor Jim Hussong says they couldn’t have been happier with how the project went…
“The D.O.T for Iowa was fantastic to work with. They were very transparent on everything they were doing. I was just making the comment earlier that this is the first road construction that we’ve ever had that actually people were saying they were doing a really good job and they were complimenting on how fast it was going and how it wasn’t so bad to work with, just, you know, on the shoulder months to do it and then throughout the summer we were able to open up for business. And most all of the businesses I’ve talked to they said they didn’t have too much problem with access. They were able to be accessed and everybody just knew that we had to buck up and get through it and that we’re through it it’s going to be much better for us and the community and the tourists.”
Dan Sanders, a city council member, spoke on behalf of the city of Okoboji. He says the staging of the project during the off seasons was also a huge factor for that city…
“That really made a big difference, I think, to the citizens, to the visitors, to the entire area, the economy of the area and everything. And so the city of Okoboji felt that was really one of the key points in the way the D.O.T scheduled the construction on ’71.”
Jessica Felix, an engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District Three office, says staging projects like they did with this one isn’t something they commonly do…
“The construction started as early as it could in March, went to Memorial Day, and then would start Labor Day and go until the snow would fly. And we were able to accomplish that in four phases of construction over two years and allow the communities of Okoboji and Arnolds Park to have their economic development occur during their busy season.”
Felix outlines some of the things crews are still working on this fall…
“Maybe a little bit of landscaping and seeding to make sure that that grass gets established and touch up any warranty items, but by this weekend it should be fully open with minimal traffic control.”
Outside of that, Felix says the project is done and that crews will not be returning in the spring.
Cedar Valley Construction was the general contractor on the project, which not only included a new surface, but also some grass and pavers and two brand new sets at Broadway Street and Linden Drive in Arnolds Park.
