From 4 to 3

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the resurfacing project will permanently reduce the number of lanes on Highway 18 from four to three, not temporarily as was published in this week's newspaper.

Hartley's main artery won't be spared from summer roadwork.

Superintendent of Public Works Jaron Benz reported during Monday's city council meeting that Highway 18 will undergo resurfacing later this year. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) will mill the existing surface and then overlay a thin layer back on top.

Benz said that once the work completed, the number of lanes through town will be permanently reduced from four to three. The outside lanes will be used for moving traffic while the center will be reserved for turning vehicles.

The start date for work is still somewhat unknown.

"The DOT has told us they want to have it finished by end of the construction season," Benz said after the meeting. "We haven't heard any construction dates, but it's looking like late summer and into fall."

Work will span from 8th Avenue West to 8th Avenue East, or approximately one mile. Benz said the DOT plans to leave the curb and gutter untouched along the route.

He said that while the work may cause some obstacles, there are no plans to reroute traffic via a detour around town.

"They're going to keep things moving," he said.

The council on Monday approved a preconstruction agreement with the DOT to allow the work. The DOT will handle the project completely, and the city will have little to no involvement, according to discussion.

Benz said additional roadwork on city streets will take place sometime this summer like years past. A resurfacing project is planned on approximately three blocks of North 7th Avenue West, with a contract to be awarded during next month's meeting.