Public Comment Period Ending on Newton Highway 14 Reconstruction

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The Iowa Department of Transportation is wrapping up a public comment period on a major reconstruction project for a 3-mile stretch of Highway 14 on the northwest edge of Newton. The $45 million project will fully rebuild the existing 24-foot roadway with 10-foot shoulders and is expected to begin construction this fall and continue through late 2027.

Why it matters

This project is a key infrastructure upgrade for Newton, as Highway 14 is a major thoroughfare connecting the city to other parts of central Iowa. The reconstruction will improve safety, traffic flow, and road conditions along this heavily traveled route.

The details

The project will fully rebuild the 3-mile section of Highway 14 from just south of North 4th Avenue West to north of High Avenue. The existing 24-foot roadway will be replaced with new Portland Cement Concrete pavement and 10-foot shoulders on each side. No additional property easements or land acquisitions will be needed to complete the work.

• The public comment period ends on Monday, February 23, 2026.
• Construction on the project is expected to begin in the fall of 2026.
• The reconstruction work is scheduled to continue through late fall of 2027.

What’s next

After the public comment period closes, the Iowa DOT will review all feedback and finalize the project plans before beginning construction later this year.