In August of 2002, the city of Ottumwa authorized construction on a $1.3 million street and highway improvement as a part of the planned commercial development along U.S. Highway 34 near their west city limit.  The project is funded using tax increment revenues from proposed new commercial development which will include a new Wal-Mart Super Center and a Menards Home Improvement Center.

Wal-Mart Site - Venture Drive

Grading on the new Wal-Mart Super Center site was started in early summer. The municipal improvement project includes pavement widening and resurfacing of U.S. 34 for turn lanes and signalization at the proposed development entrance. Construction of a new Venture Drive intersection and modifications to the existing Wildwood Drive intersection are also part of the project.  Planned future development (Phase 2) will extend Venture Drive east to Wildwood Drive and signalize the Wildwood Drive and U.S. Hwy 34 intersection.

Norris Asphalt Paving, Inc., Ottumwa, Iowa, was the prime contractor for the project and subcontractors were Manatts, Inc., of Brooklyn, Iowa (PCC paving), Peterson Contracting, Inc., of Reinbeck, Iowa (grading), and the Dickinson Company of Oskaloosa, Iowa (lighting and signals).

Highway 34 at Wal-Mart Entrance