Construction continues on Highway 2
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By IVY BICE
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Construction on State Highway 2 has been underway for several weeks and is expected to continue until approximately early December 2026. The project is an asphalt resurfacing project needed to repair pavement that has become distressed and is approaching failure.
According to Akhilesh Pal, P.E., resident construction engineer at the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Resident Construction Office, the project covers approximately 9.5 miles of highway. The new asphalt surface is intended to extend the life of the pavement and prevent further deterioration.
Norris Asphalt is the prime contractor for the project, which has an estimated cost of approximately $4.7 million.
The project also includes pavement milling, bringing up the shoulders, installing rumble strips and applying new pavement markings. Pavement milling began last week as crews continued working on the highway.
The Iowa DOT website lists Dec. 3 as the estimated completion date. However, Pal said the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work, and crews could finish earlier than expected.
Motorists should expect traffic control to continue for the next three to four weeks while crews complete the main asphalt work. A pilot car is currently being used to guide traffic through the construction zone.
Once the asphalt work is finished and crews begin installing rumble strips, pilot cars will no longer be needed. Drivers may still encounter localized signage and some lane closures while the remaining work is completed.
Traffic will remain open in both directions throughout the project, and plans do not call for a complete highway closure. However, motorists should expect some delays while traveling through the construction zone.
Pal encouraged drivers to allow extra time for their trips and remain cautious while traveling through work areas.
“Whenever they see any construction, they gotta slow down for their safety as well as the construction workers’ safety,” Pal said.
The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to pay attention to traffic control and use caution around construction crews as work continues on Highway 2.
