Upcoming Project Will Close Viaduct for 2 Months

Oelwein residents may see a notice on their latest water bills, that the city will be closing the viaduct on West Charles Street in just over a week, for a project that will take about 2 months to complete.

The route will be closed beginning Monday, May 16th, until July 16th. This includes both sides of the viaduct.

The viaduct will be undergoing a reconstruction of the railway bed that crosses over the top of the street, to accommodate the increase in use of the rails by a couple of local industries.

ViaField, located on the northwest side of Oelwein, will be using rail service, to cut down on the expense of trucking grain.

Also Transco Railway Products will be servicing more empty rail cars.

Funding for the viaduct project comes from a loan and a grant from the Iowa DOT Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant program, along with matching funds from local entities.

Motorists driving to and from the west side of town may use a detour route of 4th Street SW, or 7th, 8th or 10th Street on the southwest side of Oelwein.