If you’ve ever driven Highway 141 in Johnston, you know the drill. You pull up to the edge of the highway, wait for a break in high-speed traffic, and then hit the gas, hoping you’ve timed it right.
What’s new: We secured $500,000 in Community Project Funding to help build a new interchange at Highway 141 and NW Towner Drive. The project will move local traffic off the highway, improve safety, reduce congestion, and connect residents to Johnston’s growing pedestrian and bike trail network. ⬇️
Why it matters: More than 20,000 vehicles travel Highway 141 every day, and that number is expected to climb to 50,000 by 2050. As Johnston continues to grow, so does the need for safer, more efficient infrastructure. This interchange will eliminate a dangerous crossing, improve traffic flow, and help first responders reach emergencies more quickly. It will also create safer connections for families walking or biking through the community.
How it got done: This project started in Johnston — not Washington. Local leaders identified the need, developed the plan, and invested more than $6.3 million in local funding before seeking federal support. We worked to secure an additional $500,000 to help move the project from planning to construction, which is expected to start in 2027.
Bottom Line: Good infrastructure starts with local leadership. Johnston identified the need, developed a smart plan, and invested its own resources before asking for federal support. That’s exactly the kind of partnership I believe in, and I’ll keep fighting to bring Iowa’s tax dollars home to support projects that improve safety, strengthen our communities, and deliver lasting results.