The director of the Iowa Department of Transportation says in the past 11 years, the number of "structurally deficient" bridges on state-maintained highways in Iowa has been reduced by 80 percent. "From 2006 to 2017, we've driven that number down from 256 to 51," Iowa DOT director Mark Lowe told … [Read more...]
DOT director says upgrades helping reduce snow plow accidents
Iowa Department of Transportation director Mark Lowe says DOT snow plows are involved in fewer accidents due to equipment and technology upgrades. Each of the 902 state-owned snowplows are now equipped with flashing blue lights as well as GPS Automatic Vehicle Locating systems and dash … [Read more...]
Beams going up on bridge over I-35 near Ames
Work continues on one of the largest and most expensive road construction projects in Iowa that was delayed by a contractor mistake. What's called a "flyover bridge" is being built where Interstate 35 meets U.S. Highway 30 on the east side of Ames. Iowa Department of Transportation engineer Scott … [Read more...]
State road grant approved for expansion of Nevada meat company
The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved a state grant of $501,452 to fund roadway improvements for a Nevada manufacturing business that makes pizza toppings. DOT spokesman Craig Markley told the commission the grant will help Burke Marketing Corporation with a planned expansion. "They're a … [Read more...]
Transportation Commissioners discuss the politics of meeting at the Iowa State Capitol
Members of the State Transportation Commission had a discussion about politics and the impact on their decisions during a workshop Tuesday. The issue came up as the commissioners discussed holding a meeting at the state capitol in February. Commissioner Charese Yanney of Sioux City questioned … [Read more...]
Supreme Court backs ruling that throws out thousands of speeding tickets
The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that throws out speeding tickets issued by state motor vehicle officers. Two drivers who were traveling on Interstate 35 in Warren County were given speeding tickets by Motor Vehicle Enforcement officers in separate traffic stops in September of … [Read more...]
State money approved for trails in Davis, Black Hawk, Story, Lee and Keokuk counties
The Iowa Transportation Commission recently approved more than one million dollars in funding for five projects under the State Recreational Trails Program. The director of the DOT Office of Systems Planning, Craig Markley, says a $360,000 grant will go to replace a bridge over Wolf Creek on the … [Read more...]
All state snowplows will have cameras, blue and white lights this year
The Iowa Department of Transportation has implemented a couple of changes as workers prepare for another winter of battling snow and ice on the state's roads. Craig Bargfrede , the Iowa DOT's winter operations administrator, says cameras will be installed in all snow plows and still images will be … [Read more...]
Young and Axne critical of Farm Bureau Health Benefit Plans
The Iowa Farm Bureau's Health Benefit Plans that go on sale November 1 are getting a thumbs down from Republican Congressman David Young and Cindy Axne, his Democratic opponent for Iowa's third district seat. The Farm Bureau plans were designed as a cheaper option for Iowans who buy their own … [Read more...]
Traffic diverted due to 20-foot sinkhole on Highway 69 near Jewell
Traffic on U.S. Highway 69 north of Jewell in southern Hamilton County has been rerouted due to a sinkhole that developed overnight. Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons said six vehicles were damaged before traffic was diverted. "There's a sinkhole that's probably about 20 feet across and probably … [Read more...]