Iowa's Byways

Iowa Byways signage

The Iowa Byways designs are intended to provide graphic identity signing to assist travelers in wayfinding. After a new byway is designated by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the new sign design, fabrication, and installation is initiated by the department. All installations conform to the Iowa Byways Signage Policy.

Iowa Byways Signage Policy Summary
Iowa Byways signage frequently asked questions

Byway stakeholder involvement

• Local byway stakeholders assist in choosing the distinctive byway logo.
• Each roadway jurisdiction along the route signs an Iowa Byways Signage Agreement with the Iowa DOT regarding the placement, maintenance, and replacement of signs.
• County Routes and City Street installations are coordinated with local jurisdictions staff.
• After installation, the local byway coordinators and jurisdictions assist the Iowa Byways program in conducting inventories and repairing or replacing damaged or missing signs as needed.

Iowa Byways signage inventory and replacement

As of January 2023, sign inventories have been conducted along 13 Iowa byways, using a tablet–based mobile application. New information will be posted here as the tools and processes are updated. Replacement signs are available from the Iowa DOT if in stock.

For assistance, contact the Iowa Byways Program Manager, Emily Whaley, by email or at 515-239-1629.

Iowa Byways signage policy

This policy manual is supported by Iowa Code 306D and the Iowa Scenic Byway Program. In turn, this Iowa Byways Signage Policy is consistent and integrated with the department’s Traffic and Safety Manual and the Design Manual. These manuals reflect the guidance provided by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Subsequent MUTCD updates will become part of the Iowa DOT Iowa Byways Signage Policy as published and adopted.

2018- 2019 NEW AND EXTENDED IOWA BYWAYS SIGN INSTALLATION PROJECTS

2018 Signing projects completed

• New Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
• New White Pole Road Scenic Byway
• Historic Hills Scenic Byway Extension
• Driftless Area Scenic Byway Extension

2019 New Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway

• Sign design completed in 2018
• Sign fabrication and delivery - completed
• Jurisdiction Confirmation Letters and Agreement: February - March 15, 2019
• Installation by DOT with local assistance expected during 2019

Materials order form

• 2019 Jefferson Signing Order Form

Maps and field maps app assistance

Traffic and Safety: Brad.Cutler@iowadot.us

Project contact

Iowa Byways Program Manager: emily.whaley@iowadot.us

Draft signing maps are available here for review

• Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Ames - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Ankeny - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Des Moines - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Hampton - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Indianola - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Iowa Falls - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Marquisville - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Mason City - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
• Nevada - Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway