An unpleasant change is visible just south of Davis Corners. For the past several years, the Featherlite factory had acres and acres of finished trailers waiting to be delivered.
Now the entire lot is bare, except for about three racecar transporters.
It’s sad indeed to see what was once a very active local business practically cease to exist.
The company was sold some time ago. I understand there is still an Featherlite office in Cresco and some production, but the production can’t be anywhere nearly as extensive as it was in Davis Corners.
I don’t know whether the new owners moved production to another location or simply reduced production.
August 20 Update:
Please note the Comment regarding Featherlite below. I’m seeking more information from the writer of that Comment. It seems I’ve put forth some incorrect information! Once I understand the situation better, I’ll try to see that proper information is provided.
Another change is more pleasant: the paving of additional lanes of US-63 between New Hampton and Waterloo. Soon, that stretch of highway will be four-lane. All the paving is done now. There’s a nine-mile stretch beginning at Dead Man’s Corners (Iowa 3) and going north which has not been opened for traffic. It still needs signs and some shoulder and ditch work.
When this is completed, our travel to Lime Springs will be a bit easier and faster.
And so will travel for those who go to games in Iowa City!
For those interested, our preferred route (heading south) is to turn off US-63 onto Dunkerton Road. That’s right after the speed limit changes to 55mph. Take that to the next stop sign, which is about six miles. Then turn south and take that through Dewar and Raymond to I-380. That totally avoids going through Waterloo.