Work on the Walton Lake causeway bridge project in Fairfield is nearing completion, while city officials are also looking ahead to longer-term watershed management and lake restoration efforts.
According to City Engineer and Public Works Director Melanie Carlson, the Fairfield City Council approved a change order on August 25th, 2025, for a 10-foot by 8-foot box culvert, along with dirt backfill and lowering the lake to elevation 717, plus or minus.
Carlson said unseasonably warm weather allowed the project to continue moving forward. The drawdown valve was closed during the last week of January, and the project is now in its final stages, with cleanup listed as the main item remaining.
She said the amount of dirt needed for the project will be greater than originally expected because the underwater survey was less accurate than anticipated. Final acceptance of the project is expected in April or May, depending on seeding.
City Administrator Doug Reinert said contractors worked through the winter as much as possible while dealing with frost line challenges and ensuring the project remained a quality product.
Reinert noted the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has also been closely involved during the construction process, assessing the overall condition of Walton Lake as work continues. He said those conversations have expanded to include planning the next steps in watershed management, erosion control, and eventual lake restoration.
“The idea is to implement best practices in the watershed before addressing the larger issues within the lake, working our way on the outside in,” Reinert said.
According to Reinert, that plan is expected to develop over about a decade, with the city contributing to efforts aimed at restoring Walton Lake to its original health.
Reinert added that he made it clear the city does not want lake water levels lowered again.
Photo courtesy of Hugo Mora.
