WHAT'S NEW?
Needs Survey: NEW Railway Tracks Overpass and Underpass Fund
During the 2026 Iowa legislative session, Senate File 2484 was passed. This enabling legislation deposits $5 million in RIIF moneys into a Railway Tracks Overpass and Underpass Fund each year for five (5) years. Iowa DOT is directed under Iowa Code 307.19 to “distribute in the form of grants to cities and counties to assist with the construction of highway overpasses and underpasses across railway tracks.” As Iowa DOT works through development of this new funding program, they want to ensure the needs of the cities and counties are being met. To do that, they’re hoping you will take 5-10 minutes to complete and submit this survey. The survey was developed to help better understand the collective city and county needs ahead of developing guidance and recommendations to present to Commission for this new program. Please submit your response by July 7, 2026. Your participation is greatly appreciated, and your insights will help shape how this new program is implemented.
Notice to Users: Governor’s Action on House File 2667
See the attached update regarding House File 2667 (HF 2667).
2027 Edition Supplementals
Items approved by the SUDAS Board of Directors on May 12 are available for use. These items will be included in the 2027 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.
Iowa DNR Review
The Iowa DNR Water Supply Engineering Section conducted a review of the 2026 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.
2026 Edition Revisions
The 2026 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 manual pages are fully updated.
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. The Specifications have been updated accordingly.
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.