OSKALOOSA — Summer road trips, work commutes, even simple trips to the grocery store might require a little more time and patience this month.
Starting today, Iowa 92 east will be under construction. The stretch of highway will see construction in Mahaska County from east of the Oskaloosa corporate limits to the Keokuk County line.
The project will include reconstruction of Iowa 92 for approximately 1 1/2 miles near the Skunk River. The remaining project area will be getting a hot-mix asphalt overlay in addition to pavement widening, the addition of rumble strips and guard rails will be updated. Norris Asphalt Paving Co. of Ottumwa is the prime contractor for this project.
“The roadway will be closed for approximately one month, beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, weather permitting,” according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Chariton construction office.
In other words, you’ll have to find a different route. According to a news release from www.news.iowadot.gov, motorists will be detoured using Mahaska County Road V-13 and Iowa 23. The detour will follow Highway 23 to a point midway between Cedar and Fremont, then will follow Urbana Avenue and Ventura Avenue (V-13) North to Rose Hill.
Drive with caution, urges the Iowa DOT. Keep an eye on the speed limit and other signs in the work area. Traffic fines for moving violations are at least doubled in work zones. “As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts,” the release.
Independence Day may be over, but safe driving is important all year. A few tips from the DOT:
– If you have been drinking, plan ahead and arrange a way to get home. Do not drive.
– Buckle up. It is the single most effective way to prevent serious injury if you should be involved in a crash.
– Don’t speed. Speeding has been a factor in about 30 percent of crash deaths since 2005. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

For more on this story and others like it, check out today’s Oskaloosa Herald.