Stage two of Iowa 9 pavement replacement in Osage begins Sept. 2

Drivers in northern Iowa should prepare for lane closures and detours as the second stage of a major pavement replacement project on Iowa 9 in Osage gets underway. The Iowa Department of Transportation announced that stage two of the concrete pavement replacement will begin Tuesday, Sept. 2, picking up where crews left off earlier this summer. Stage one focused on the stretch of Iowa 9 east of Kirkwood Avenue; the new phase will remove and replace the deteriorating pavement between west of Kirkwood Avenue and near Street Chiropractic.

To safely complete the work, Iowa 9 will be closed to through traffic through late September. Local residents and businesses will still be able to access driveways and side streets within the work zone, but motorists should expect construction equipment and workers on site. Drivers heading through town are urged to follow the marked detour using Mitchell County Road T‑26 and U.S. 218. The Iowa DOT cautions that speeding or attempting to drive around barricades puts both travelers and workers at risk.

During stage two, crews will break up and remove the old concrete, fix the underlying base as needed, and pour new pavement designed to last for decades. They will also make minor improvements to drainage and roadway shoulders. The project is part of the Iowa DOT’s statewide pavement preservation program, which targets aging highways for timely rehabilitation before deterioration accelerates. Fresh concrete provides a smoother ride, reduces maintenance costs and improves safety by eliminating potholes and ruts that can cause vehicles to lose traction.

Construction is expected to last four to six weeks, depending on weather. The DOT encourages drivers to plan extra travel time, obey flaggers and posted signs and stay alert for workers and machinery. Businesses along the route remain open, and signs will direct customers to access points. Updates on the project, including changes to the schedule or detour, will be posted to the Iowa DOT website at www.511ia.org. The department appreciates the public’s patience as it works to keep Iowa’s transportation system in good condition.