ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The City of Estherville is beginning the planning process for major utility upgrades along Highway 9.

The project is tied to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s future reconstruction of Central Avenue. City council members approved an agreement with the Iowa DOT during their regular meeting Monday, April 20.

That agreement allows engineering and design work to move forward for replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure beneath Highway 9.

City Administrator Penny Clayton said the work needs to be done before the roadway itself is rebuilt.

Clayton said replacing utilities ahead of time will help ensure the new roadway remains in good condition long-term and avoid repeated street cuts for emergency repairs.

Residents will have an opportunity to learn more during an Iowa DOT public open house scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Iowa Lakes Community College CERT Building.

Although construction is still several years away, approving the design work now allows the city to stay on schedule with the DOT’s project timeline. The Highway 9 reconstruction and utility replacement project is currently planned between 2028 and 2030, with work expected to be completed in phases.