The Iowa DOT Trail was constructed by the Iowa DOT, along the north right-of-way of the new Hwy 34 By-pass. This completes the southern part of the Loop Trail. It is not yet officially open.
Iowa DOT Trail near the Maasdam Barns Click here to see the Maasdam Barns.
Iowa DOT Trail Specs
Length= 6.5 miles
Surface= Crushed limestone.
These are the only entry/exit points to/from
the Iowa DOT Trail:
East Entry= Mint Blvd, which connects to Lamson Woods.
Hwy 1= Intersects with State Hwy 1 (South Main St) near the Jefferson County Health Center and the Maasdam Barns site.
Kale Blvd= Intersects with Kale Blvd.
Cedar View Trail= The Cedar View Trail connects to 32nd Street and Jefferson County Park.
West Entry= Hwy 34 West, near Whitham Woods (this entry point will not be open until the connecting trail with Whitham Woods is completed).
Aug 22, 2009 -- Iowa DOT Trail Inauguration
The inauguration took place on Sat, Aug 22, 2009. Health & Wellness for the community was the theme. However, the Iowa DOT has not formally opened this new 6.5 mile-long section of the Loop Trail, built by Iowa DOT in conjunction with the bypass.
This section of trail has been surfaced with limey chip and is ready for public use once a few safety features have been installed. Trail access is at the top of Mint Blvd, on either side of Highway 1, just south of Libertyville Drive on Kale Blvd, or from the Cedar View Trail west of 32nd Street.
The last connection of the IDOT Trail will be at Mitchell Creek, west of town where a new bridge is being installed on Highway #34. The connecting trail to Whitham Woods will be constructed soon.
Why the Trail has not officially opened
You have heard this before. "The new [whatever] will open soon." Well, we have to say it again. The Iowa DOT's priority was to complete the new Highway 34 Bypass, which they did, opening it in November 2008.
However, in the process, and because of weather-related issues, the trail along the bypass did not get completed.
The trail will be surfaced with fine limestone chips, as on other parts of the Loop Trail. Before that, however, you must have a stable base. First the ground is dug out to a six-inch depth, then base rock is placed on the ground. The irregularly shaped stones interlock with each other, providing a surface for the final layer of fine stones (lime chips in this case).
Some of the ground under the trail had never been disturbed before, so is soft, and perhaps wet. Therefore it takes time for the stones to settle down, and during this time the surface can become rutted by vehicles, which the trail is not ready for.
To fix the ruts the contractors may have to dig up the base rock, smooth out the dirt, and re-apply the base rock. All of which takes time and money.
So be patient, as Mother Nature has her own timetable, as do the DOT contractors. They will be back soon and will need some time to repair damage to the sub-surface, and then apply the final surface of lime chips.
In the meantime, we hope you will heed our messages to avoid using the trail until it is officially open. You can be sure that we will let you know.
