The Iowa DOT's driver's license center in Waterloo is closed today and will reopen Tuesday in a new location. Darcy Doty, director of customer service for the Iowa DOT, says the new location is near the now-closed site inside Waterloo's Crossroads Mall. "Being in the mall, we are required to … [Read more...]
All modes of travel in the state getting closer to pre-pandemic levels
The numbers for planes, trains, and automobiles continue to show a rebound in traffic following drops during the COVID pandemic. The Department of Transportation's Stuart Anderson gave a report on highway traffic Tuesday to the state Transportation Commission. "We are continuing to be really … [Read more...]
DOT moves weekly safety sign message updates to Fridays
The Iowa Department of Transportation is shifting the way it delivers those pithy safety reminders to motorists on the 80-some overhead message boards on Iowa's interstates and highways. The Monday Messages program is now called Roadside Chats and the new slogans will appear on Fridays instead of … [Read more...]
Iowa joins 8 states with parent-led driver’s ed law
A new law that goes into effect today lets the parents of teenagers certify they've taught their child to drive, so the teen can take the tests to get a driver's license. Homeschooling parents like Republican Representative Joel Fry of Osceola have had this authority for the past decade and this … [Read more...]
Paper state road map survives despite technology
Even in this age of smartphones and Google maps, the Iowa Department of Transportation is printing more than one-million traditional road maps this year. The full-color map measures 27-by-37 inches and includes 942 incorporated cities and a few hundred more unincorporated towns. Mark Hansen, a … [Read more...]
Interstate update projects continue in DOT 5-year road work plan
The state Transportation Commission has approved the first draft of its updated five-year transportation plan. The plan includes an estimated $3.6 billion for road construction and improvement, which the DOT's Stuart Anderson says includes some ongoing projects. "The Interstate 74 bridge … [Read more...]
DOT finds success with use of warning trailers in work zones
The Iowa Department of Transportation is again using a special trailer with bright lights and loud sounds in an attempt to warn work crews of impending accidents. The DOT's Brad Fleming says the trailer known as an attenuator is pulled behind the last truck in a work crew. "There is a set of … [Read more...]
Deadline for REAL ID pushed back again
The deadline to get your driver's license transitioned to a REAL ID has been pushed back by the pandemic. Iowa DOT Customer Services Bureau director, Darcy Doty says many states had their driver's license offices closed for several months during the height of the outbreak. "We were able to stay … [Read more...]
Bill calls for study of Iowa deer herd’s impact on property, car wrecks
A bill that has cleared the Iowa Senate would set up a new January hunting season for deer, but only in counties where all the state licenses for harvesting antlerless deer were not sold. The bill would let deer hunters use long-barrelled rifles during that period. "The purpose of this season is … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers set up speed limits for electric bicycles
Iowa legislators have voted to establish some speed restrictions for low-speed electric bicycles. People riding e-bikes on multi-use trails or in bike lanes along city streets would be required to abide by any posted speed limit for other traffic. If there are no speed limits in the area, 20 … [Read more...]