Initial work is beginning on the next round of downtown street improvements in Newton. The Newton City Council has awarded an Engineering Services Agreement to Bolton & Menk of Des Moines. For $61,000, Bolton & Menk will do all work necessary to put the street work out for bid. The five downtown blocks included in this project are North 2nd Avenue between West 2nd and West 4th Streets North, and West 3rd and 4th Streets North between 1st Avenue West and North 2nd Avenue West. Newton Public Works Director Joe Grife says these downtown blocks have had several asphalt resurfacings over the last 65 years. Four of the five have also been widened, eliminating the streetscape and causing poor drainage. Grife expects this street work to be put out for bid this coming March.