The first project, from Ken Maril Road (in Ames) to Iowa 210, was a hot-mix asphalt resurfacing project, which involved a full-depth reclamation of the asphalt road which dated back to 1929. Contractor Manatts Inc., who was awarded the $5.9 million project, milled off 6-8 in. of the existing asphalt surface, rubbelized the concrete underneath and then placed new asphalt.
Full-width paved shoulders were added and repairs were made to culverts and the clearing of trees. That portion was closed for one month while motorists were directed to use county roads E-63 and R-38, and Iowa 210 as a detour
The contractor then moved onto Ken Maril Road (Ames) to 310th Lane (Huxley) portion. This portion of U.S. 69 was closed and a detour was put into place from May to August 2015, which made use of U.S. 30, I-35 and Iowa 210.
After placing additional stone, Manatts' crews paved the road with a total of 7 in. of asphalt placed in three lifts. When more than 20 days of rain in 13 weeks caused project delays, Manatts agreed to accelerate the schedule. The company placed more than 37,000 tons of asphalt in under four weeks.
In addition, U.S. 69 in Huxley underwent a milling and resurfacing process.
A second project, from 118th Avenue (in Ankeny) to Iowa 210, consisted of refurbishing the roadway using a Portland cement concrete overlay. The contractor milled off part of the existing asphalt surface and then placed new concrete. Full-width paved shoulders will be added with the project. Other work in the project area includes culvert repairs and tree clearing. The contractor closed the road from May 6 until late August. The detour was routed through Iowa 210, I-35 and N.E. 36th Street in Ankeny.
Flynn Company Inc. was awarded the $4,863,872.35 contract for this second project.
Access for property owners on the closed portions of U.S. 69 was fully maintained during both projects.
