The Kalona City Council approved an Iowa Department of Transportation application and agreement for a construction detour next summer on Highway 22. The project will increase traffic through Kalona during the construction period. The decision was made at the council’s meeting on Wednesday.

Portions of Ginkgo Avenue between Wellman and West Chester will be closed next summer, which will force a large detour for drivers in western Washington County. The detour will take traffic on Highway 22 and Highway 1.

According to City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh, the project is expected to start as soon as crews can begin work next year and will last through August 28. While the project’s final cost has not yet been determined as the bidding process is not yet complete, the Washington County Board of Supervisors has already approved project plans and intends to pay for it through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program.