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County requests more study of Iowa DOT 'J‑turn' proposal at Highway 63 and Cedar Wapsy Road
Summary
Black Hawk County engineers told supervisors the DOT's lower‑cost J‑turn at Highway 63/Cedar Wapsy could impede large trucks, divert freight onto secondary roads and harm future freight‑corridor plans; the board voted to send a formal letter asking for further study and coordination.
County engineers and supervisors debated options proposed by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Highway 63/Cedar Wapsy Road interchange and voted April 28 to send a formal county letter urging more study and collaboration.
Kathy Nicholas, Black Hawk County engineer, summarized options studied by DOT and consultant HDR, including a reduced‑conflict "J‑turn" estimated at about $2.9 million and a conventional diamond interchange priced at about $29 million. "We have concerns that large vehicles would not be able to make the J‑turn due to the tight median and turning radius," Nicholas told the board, noting the J‑turn would eliminate straight‑through and left‑turn movements on the crossing road.
Nicholas said the county is weighing broader freight‑corridor needs, including proposed upgrades to North Elkrun Road and an eventual northeastern bypass to serve the Waterloo industrial area. She warned the J‑turn could divert freight traffic onto secondary roads and complicate future plans: "We don't believe freight traffic is going to do a U‑turn and then continue on Cedar Wapsy Road," she said.
Supervisors expressed mixed views. Some members said the J‑turn is a low‑cost, quick option that could be completed as early as 2028; others said it could be a poor long‑term use of taxpayer dollars if an interchange or overpass will be needed later. "If we're actually going to do something in the future with the bypass where we need an interchange, why waste money now?" one supervisor said.
After discussion the board voted to approve a letter prepared by the county engineer asking DOT for further study, more collaboration with the county and additional public engagement before a final selection. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote.
Next steps: County staff will transmit the approved letter to the Iowa DOT and seek follow‑up meetings; the DOT will determine next procedural steps and any report to the county, per Nicholas.
