By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
It has taken over 30 years to get to this point.
And now, making Highway 20 four lanes across all of Iowa is now in its final stretch.
On Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the U.S. 20 Association held its grand opening celebration of a new four lane segment on Highway 20.
"You see a lot of folks whether it's to the Des Moines area or going across the state, it's saving probably 15, 20, 30 minutes for them."
The new segment stretches 26 miles from Rockwell City to Early, Iowa, and cost $111 million dollars to build.
"It is an important segment of Highway 20," said Governor Terry Brandstad. "Of course we still have 46 miles left that we want to finish. Once we've got four lane all way across the state, I think we'll really see the benefits of it."
Now, all that is remaining on Highway 20 is a segment from Moville to Correctionville.
Construction on that is slated to begin sometime next year.
Governor Brandstad said this highway will be a big help for Iowa in a number of ways.
"Interstate 80 is overly congested today, and a lot of traffic goes down on Interstate 29 and takes 80. When 20 is completely, we'll see a lot of that traffic take Highway 20 which will provide for more safe travel and economic development along the corridor."
The Iowa DOT said the four lane construction from Moville to correctively will cost about $94 million dollars.
