Perry Council Approves DOT Roundabout Plan for Iowa Highway 141

The $4.4 million project will receive 60% funding from the state's RISE program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:36am

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An abstract, blurred image of a vehicle in motion, conveying a sense of speed and modern engineering through sweeping streaks of color.The planned roundabout on Iowa Highway 141 will bring a new flow of traffic to the Perry Industrial Park gateway.Perry Today

The Perry City Council has accepted the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) recommendation to construct a traffic roundabout on Iowa Highway 141 at Willis Avenue, the gateway to the Perry Industrial Park. The $4.4 million project will receive 60% funding from the DOT's Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) program, with the city of Perry covering the remaining 40% match.

Why it matters

The roundabout is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents at this key intersection. The project is part of the DOT's long-term plan to implement more roundabouts in the area, even if the current RISE grant application was not approved.

The details

During a work session, DOT officials presented the roundabout as the best solution, citing its ability to reduce accidents compared to other options like an overpass, which was dismissed due to factors like projected growth, land impact, and construction and maintenance costs. The city will submit its RISE grant application to the DOT in May, and if approved, the roundabout construction will occur in phases during 2027 and 2028.

  • The Perry City Council accepted the DOT's recommendation at its meeting on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The DOT will consider Perry's RISE grant application at its May 2026 meeting.
  • If approved, the roundabout construction will occur in phases during 2027 and 2028.

The players

Jennifer McCoy

DOT Senior Project Engineer who presented the roundabout recommendation to the council.

Austin Yates

DOT Traffic Operations Engineer who presented the roundabout recommendation to the council.

Scott Schram

DOT District 4 Engineer who presented the roundabout recommendation to the council.

Sven Peterson

Perry City Administrator who discussed the project's cost-sharing details with the council.

Dirk Cavanaugh

Perry Mayor who inquired about the possibility of the DOT covering more of the project's cost.

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What they’re saying

“A roundabout 'would be the best solution for this intersection' and 'the best option for reduction in accidents' and in any case 'would be implemented in the future for the area if not included during the RISE Application.'”

— DOT Officials, Jennifer McCoy, Austin Yates, Scott Schram

“'We've been working closely with DOT staff to get through the new cost opinions,' Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson told the council at Monday's meeting. 'All this has been pre-approved for recommendation by DOT staff,'”

— Sven Peterson, Perry City Administrator

“'Any chance of them eating more of the cost,' said Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh, 'since at some point they wanted to put one of these in at their own expense anyway?'”

— Dirk Cavanaugh, Perry Mayor

What’s next

The DOT will take up Perry's RISE grant application at its May 2026 meeting. If approved, the roundabout construction will occur in phases during 2027 and 2028.

The takeaway

This project highlights the DOT's ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and safety in Iowa by implementing more roundabouts, even if it requires cost-sharing with local municipalities. The Perry Council's approval demonstrates their commitment to partnering with the state to deliver infrastructure improvements that benefit the community.