Traffic study underway on U.S. Highway 71

(KUOO Radio) – A major highway that runs through the Iowa Great Lakes could get some major improvements in the future.

But first, a traffic study must be done on the highway.

Efforts are underway to have a study done on U.S. Highway 71 through the lakes corridor.

It would extend from Iowa Highway 9 at Spirit Lake to Iowa Highway 86 at Milford.

Several cities in the Iowa Great Lakes, including Arnolds Park and Okoboji, have expressed support for the study, which is being requested by Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, the group behind a multi-million dollar beautification of the area being funded by anonymous donors.

Officials say the $500,000 study would look at overall mobility through the corridor and identify possible options to improve traffic flow.

Imagine Iowa Great Lakes has agreed to pay $250,000 of the cost and according to at least one city official, has reportedly expressed interest in contributing toward any options that would be identified through the study.

Those who are requesting the study plan to make a presentation to DOT Commissioners who will be meeting next month in the Iowa Great Lakes, at which time they’ll request the agency provide the other $250,000 needed for the study.