Louisa County Secondary Road Department

08/18/2026

Updates on Highway 61-H22 and Hwy78 Projects:

The Hwy 61 project is progressing to a point where traffic should be on the new road by the end of August. We expect a short closure on H22 on Wednesday 8/19/26 to allow for pavement markings. Over the next few weeks, there will be partial closures on Hwy 78 at Newport to reconstruct the intersection. The end is near!

Vehicles using H22 will need to use the 40th Street signed detour for a little while longer. The reconstruction of the K Road Bridge near Elrick will likely run through the middle of September. A combination of bad weather and contractor delays has slowed the project down and push completion back a couple weeks.

Send a message to learn more

08/14/2026

ROADWAY FLOODING ALERT!
We have received excessive amounts of rain resulting in standing water and washouts on a number of our county roads. Our crew is signing/barricading as many locations as possible to warn drivers of potential risk. Please travel responsibly and with extreme caution.

07/16/2026

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), in partnership with 20+ cities and counties, is applying to receive federal grant funding to replace Wapello 11 Bridge on K Avenue south of Wapello and Grandview 143 Bridge in Letts on X43.

We need your help by completing a brief survey! Your answers will be used to support the grant application. This online survey will take less than five minutes to complete.
https://hdr.jotform.com/261896807054063

Bridge Locations:
Wapello 11: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTvmqu6h434o84do7
Grandview 143 (Letts): https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ncDd4ySCCRtQHKk7

Please click the link to complete this form.

06/30/2026

Progress in the H22 K Road bridge with the setting of 5 precast beams. Completion is still 2 months away but it's getting closer.

06/29/2026

On July 1st, speed limits on all Iowa two lane highways will increase in accordance with s new state law. This includes all paved two lane roads in Louisa County unless otherwise posted.

*Please note that a portion of our paved roads were developed as "scenic byways" or with sub 55 mph design standards.
*Please follow all existing curve signage as recommended speeds have not changed.
*The County will study and revise signs, paint striping and rumble strips over the next few months and update accordingly.

Have a safe summer!

06/19/2026

Sharing on behalf of the Board:
NOTICE TO BIDDERS:

Louisa County is seeking sealed proposals for Demolition of the Old Louisa County Sherriff’s Office and Jail located at 109 South 4th Street, Wapello, Iowa. Bid Letting will be 8:30 AM Tuesday, July 21st at the Supervisor’s Chambers. Bid package will be available by contacting the Louisa County Engineer’s Office via email [email protected] or phone 319-523-5271.

04/28/2026

Updates on the H22 Projects:

30th Street Closure
The Iowa DOT will close 30th Street for a week starting May 4th. This will be to complete the northbound lane paving to connect the 4 lanes to 2 lanes. H22 will remain open while this work happens

H22 Closure
The Iowa DOT will close H22 to perform paving under the new highway. This will start around May 11th and last through mid June

H22 Closure
Louisa County's bridge replacement will start on May 6th and last through mid September.

Detours
Louisa County will sign a gravel road detour located on H16/40th and F Ave. These are "Farm to Market" routes but the county will dust control around houses and cabins
30th, 123rd and H Avenue are "local" routes and will be signed to discourage through traffic. If outside traffic becomes an issue, we will consider dust control where appropriate.
We recommend using paved routes that are safer, quicker and less dusty.

04/28/2026

**75th Street Road Closure**

Louisa County will close 75th Street for 2 weeks to replace a box culvert

04/28/2026

**55th Street Road Closure**

Louisa County will close 55th Street for 2 weeks to replace a box culvert

04/21/2026

Update!! The bridge closure starting date will be a week or two later than expected.

**H22 Bridge Closure** ** UPDATE**

The Contractor has informed the County work will be a "week or two later" due to issues on their end.

Louisa County will close the bridge over Smith Creek on H22 for approximately 4 months starting April 21st, 2026 (Tuesday)..

The County will provide a gravel road detour on F Avenue and 40th Street. Dust control will be provided in front of houses and cabins. Heavy trucks should use X99 and Mediapolis Roads when possible.

On May 1st, we expect the DOT to close H22 near Hwy 61 for paving work. It will be a busy few months in the area with a lot of disruptions. We appreciate your patience during this next few critical months.