Crossroads of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways

Asphalt Paving in Colo, IA

A highway town where homes, farms and roadside businesses all need pavement that lasts.

Free on-site estimates with a written, itemized price
City of Ames driveway permit and concrete approach rules checked before work
Paving scheduled for warm, dry ground so the mix compacts

Paving at the Crossroads of US 30 and US 65

Asphalt paving in Colo covers homes, farmsteads and the businesses along two historic highways. Colo was incorporated on April 26, 1876, after the railroad arrived, and the first train station in Story County was built there in 1863. The Lincoln Highway and the Jefferson Highway cross in Colo, which calls itself the Crossroads of the Nation, and today US 30 and US 65 meet there. The 2020 census counted 845 residents.

Climate and freeze-thaw

NOAA's 1991-2020 normals for Colo show 36.46 inches of precipitation and 30.6 inches of snow a year, and the average daily low across the year is under 38 degrees. That means many months where water in a crack freezes overnight and thaws by afternoon. Crack filling before winter and sealing every few years slow that down.

Rural driveways and entrances

Much of Colo's area is farm ground and acreages. For entrances onto Story County roads, the county requires a $25 permit, 500 feet of sight distance in both directions, and spacing of at least 300 feet from other drives and intersections. The county's standard foreslope is 3:1, and entrances on paved roads need flatter slopes. We take care of the application when your project includes the entrance.

Highway businesses

Lots along the highways see trucks, travelers and farm equipment. Those loads need thicker asphalt and a heavier base where trucks turn and park. We map where heavy vehicles go, design the section for it, and phase the work so the business stays open.

Town homes

Colo is small and most residential driveways are short. Many are older and have been patched repeatedly. We tell you honestly whether repairs and a sealcoat will carry it a few more years or whether it is time to replace.

Hickory Grove and seasonal traffic

Hickory Grove Park near Colo is Story County's largest recreation area, 445 acres with a 98-acre lake. Summer traffic to the park and along the highways adds to the wear on nearby drives and lots.

Schools

Colo-NESCO's middle and high school are in Colo, with the elementary in Zearing. School lots get the heaviest use at drop-off; we work during breaks.

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Colo Facts

Highway crossroads. The Lincoln Highway and Jefferson Highway intersect in Colo, where US 30 and US 65 also meet. The Union Pacific Overland Route runs through town, and Reed/Niland Corner sits at the intersection.
Railroad roots. Story County's first train station was built in Colo in 1863, and the town was incorporated April 26, 1876. The 2020 census counted 845 residents.
Climate normals. NOAA 1991-2020 normals for Colo list 36.46 inches of annual precipitation, 30.6 inches of snowfall, and an annual mean daily minimum of 37.9 degrees.
Entrance spacing. Story County requires new drives to have 500 feet of sight distance in both directions and to be at least 300 feet from other driveways and intersections.

Our Services in Colo, IA

Colo Questions

Can you pave a truck parking area?

Yes. We design a thicker asphalt section and heavier stone base where trucks turn and park, and we price those areas separately.

Does my farm entrance need a permit?

If it is a new or widened entrance onto a Story County road, yes. The county charges $25 and checks sight distance and spacing.

What about a driveway onto a US highway?

Highway access is controlled by the state rather than the county. We help you confirm the requirements before any work at the highway edge.

Can you work on a school lot in summer?

Yes. Summer break is the best time for paving and striping school lots.

Free Estimates in Colo, IA

Free estimates for Colo homes, farms and highway businesses.

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