WHAT'S NEW?
Passing of Original SUDAS Director, Dale Harrington
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dale Harrington, 83, on August 21, 2025. Dale was the first director (affectionately known internally as the founding father) of SUDAS, championing our one-of-a-kind statewide program that other states envy. At the same time, Dale was involved in setting up the Portland Cement Concrete Center at Iowa State University, becoming its first director and helping it grow into the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center. He was inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame at ISU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and in 2022, he was named a Honorary Member of the International Society for Concrete Pavements. He was well known for his accomplishments in the field of Transportation Engineering both nationally and internationally. Dale was not only dedicated to the engineering industry, but was a mentor to so many and a true friend. Dale’s obituary can be found here.
2026 Edition Supplementals
Items approved by the SUDAS Board of Directors on May 20 are available for use. These items will be included in the 2026 editions of the manuals, which will be ready by the end of the calendar year. You can find the supplementals online under Design Manual -> Supplemental Design or Specifications Manual -> Supplemental Specifications.
Progress Payment Retainage
Per Senate File 574, Iowa Code Section 573 was recently changed, lowering the maximum amount of progress payment retainage from 5% to 3%. To match Iowa DOT, this change would apply for contracts let July 1, 2025 and after. See the General Supplemental Specifications page for the revision approved by the SUDAS Board of Directors.
Build America, Buy America Info Request!
SUDAS staff is helping Iowa DOT with their outreach efforts about the updated BABA requirements! Click here for the full details from the Iowa DOT Local Systems Bureau.
To summarize, if you have a Federal-aid project with an anticipated letting in October 2025 or later, you will be required to ensure all manufactured products permanently incorporated are manufactured domestically. These products will have the same domestic preference compliance requirements when incorporated into a project that are currently required for iron and steel and construction material products. Basically, all materials not specifically excluded by BABA language. This would include, but not be limited to:
- Traffic signals and any related components (PTZ camera, cabinet, detection systems, push buttons, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, etc.)
- Decorative landscaping items (bus stops, benches, trash cans, etc.)
- Flood control system components (generators, pumps)
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP! We are looking for major suppliers for poles, cabinets, handholes, and systems more commonly used for urban transportation projects. Please identify your major Manufactured Product suppliers and email the following information to Beth Richards:
- Company name
- Point of contact name
- Contact’s email address
- What do they supply?
We are collecting this information to help educate the suppliers and avoid jeopardizing your agency’s Federal-aid funding. Thank you in advance for the help!
2025 Edition Revisions
The 2025 editions of the SUDAS manuals are posted. Remember, we do not print and mail revision packets. Electronic versions of the revision packets can be found under Design Manual -> Latest Design Revisions or Specifications Manual -> Latest Specifications Revisions.
The website’s manual pages are all up to date as well.
Iowa DNR Review
The Iowa DNR Water Supply Engineering Section conducted a review of the 2025 Edition of SUDAS Specifications Divisions 3 and 5. In a letter addressed to SUDAS staff, Iowa DNR stated “at the current time, they are largely in accordance with the design standards of this Department and will be filed accordingly.” Click here for a copy of the letter.
Modifying the SUDAS Manuals
If you need to modify the SUDAS manuals to meet your jurisdiction’s needs, please read this document first.
SUDAS Email List
Anyone who would like to receive emails from us can subscribe to our list.
Temporary Traffic Control
SUDAS staff developed the Temporary Traffic Control Handbook through an Iowa Highway Research Board project. Click here for an electronic version of the handbook.
Potential Errors
If you notice something within the SUDAS Manuals that appears to be an error, please contact Beth Richards (brich@iastate.edu) and let her know.