Celebration marks completion of four-lane U.S. 20 cross Iowa
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Published
10/19/2018
A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception were held in Holstein today to mark the completion of the expansion of U.S. 20 to a four-lane roadway that connects the eastern and western borders of Iowa.
The final four-lane section of U.S. 20 was officially opened to traffic on Wednesday morning, marking the end of a vision for the corridor that was more than 60 years in the making. Transforming the corridor to four lanes began in the 1950s with two individual sections being completed on opposite sides of the state - one east of Moville, the other near Dubuque.
Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Lowe said, “Like many transportation infrastructure projects, the completion of a four-lane U.S. 20 across Iowa has taken a persistence of vision. It took the passion, hard work, and dedication of countless individuals over decades to bring that vision to life.”
Governor Kim Reynolds stated, “With the completion of the U.S. 20 build out, we have effectively connected the Missourito the Mississippi through some of the most productive agricultural lands in the northern half of our state. This is a significant milestone, considering Iowa is the second-largest exporter of agricultural goods in the country, and reliable, efficient transportation from border-to-border is critical to our ongoing success. We were named the No. 1 state by U.S. News & World Report due in part to strong transportation infrastructure. This significant milestone is a great example of how the state is investing in improvements for the benefit of residents, visitors, and commerce.”
“There is no limit to the possibilities for economic impact this four-lane highway will have in northwest Iowa,” remarked U.S. 20 Association President Shirley Phillips. “It will attract new opportunities for communities across the region.”
Speakers at the ribbon cutting included Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Iowa DOT Director Mark Lowe, Congressman Steve King, U.S. 20 Association President Shirley Phillips, and Iowa Transportation Commissioner Charese Yanney with statements from Governor Kim Reynolds and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad.
The ribbon cutting was followed by a reception hosted by the U.S. 20 Association that featured remarks from current and past stakeholders who had a hand in completing the four-lane corridor throughout the life of the project as well as a “taste of U.S. 20” with refreshments provided by vendors along the corridor.
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