New street projects identified in 2024-2026 council goal setting session

Four street projects paid with general fund dollars have gained the attention of the Newton City Council and were selected as goals for the next few years. The projects were presented to council members during their annual goal setting session on Sept. 9 in the Krumm Center of the Newton Arboretum.

Here are the four general fund street projects — and their estimated costs — the city council determined were top priorities for 2024-2026:

• South 12th Avenue West reconstruction, the 1800 block between Highway 14 and 18th Street South ($775,000).

• Asphalt mill and overlay of various streets ($1 million).

• East Fourth Street South reconstruction, 100-400 blocks ($1 million).

• Portland cement concrete patching various streets ($1 million).

The reconstruction of a portion of South 12th Avenue West received the most support from council. Staff said this would be a complete reconstruction of approximately one-and-a-half blocks of pavement. The current surface is beyond its useful life. This is one of the major entrances into the city.

City of Newton’s executive team also listed the reconstruction of South 12th Avenue West as its No. 1 street project for 2024-2026.

The other reconstruction project at East Fourth Street South extends from First Avenue to South Fifth Avenue. Accompanying work would include granular subbase, sub drains, storm sewer and other utilities as needed. Overlays and patching allow the city to fix a number of small areas throughout town.

PCC patching of various streets was No. 3 on the executive team’s recommendations, followed by the reconstruction of East Fourth Street South at No. 4 and the asphalt mill and overlay of various streets at No. 5. Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler had both reconstruction projects at the top of his list.

While the city council selected these projects for its 2024-2026 goals, they are not officially approved. The council will still have to consider each project individually for approval at future board meetings. In order for a project to pass, it requires at least four votes in favor from council members.