The drivers of the state's snowplows are in a sort of spring training mode as they prepare for the upcoming winter weather. DOT winter operations manager, Craig Bargfrede, says just like athletes -- plow drivers have to train to be ready when the real event comes. That includes strategy for … [Read more...]
Iowa DOT starting to prepare for winter operations
The Iowa Department of Transportation is making the transition into its winter operation phase. Winter operations director, Craig Bargfrede, says they will gradually refit equipment from construction maintenance work to be ready for winter. "The garages have to balance having the ability to go … [Read more...]
Repairs to roadways in western Iowa held in latest flood round
Some state roadways in western Iowa were covered more than once after flood waters went down and came back up. Iowa Department of Transportation planner, Scott Suhr, says they've been lucky that repairs held up on roadways like Interstate 29, which was recently flooded once again. He says I-680 … [Read more...]
Part of I-680 in southwest Iowa renamed I-880
The Iowa Department of Transportation is renaming of the northern segment of Interstate 680 in western Iowa to try and end confusion for travelers in southwest Iowa. The DOT's Scott Suhr says that part of the highway is now called 880. "It's the section that runs from Interstate 80 to I-29 on the … [Read more...]
Money approved for businesses access roads in Perry and Marshalltown
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved up to $884,000 Tuesday to improve a roadway to a business in Perry. DOT spokesman, Craig Markley, says it would improve access to three acres of an industrial area and help a local business. "Progressive Foundry -- they make all kinds of cast iron … [Read more...]
Transportation Commission approves funding to help Bondurant lure business
The state Transportation Commission today gave conditional approval for funding to improve roadways to a site in Bondurant as an incentive for the city to get a company to commit to building there. The DOT's Craig Markley told the commission the funding commitment would be based on the Iowa … [Read more...]
Floodwaters force closing of I-29 again
Frequent users of Interstate 29 in western Iowa can't seem to catch a break. Renewed flooding over the weekend has again forced the closure of a ten-mile section of Interstate 29. Due to water over the highway, it's barricaded from Exit 61 near Crescent to Exit 71 near Loveland. It's at least the … [Read more...]
Deadline for REAL ID driver’s license now one year away
Tuesday marked the one-year countdown to the federal regulation that requires you to have your driver's license certified as a "REAl ID" to be able to use it as identification for flying. Iowa DOT Director Mark Lowe says the requirement came out of rules developed at the 9-11 terrorist attacks. … [Read more...]
Louisa County road built by Anamosa inmates celebrated
Some Iowa roads only last a winter or two before they're pockmarked with potholes, but a celebration today in southeast Iowa's Louisa County is being held on an original road built in 1914. Tom Woodruff of Coralville is spearheading the event to honor the short but durable stretch of pavement … [Read more...]
I-29 closed in Honey Creek area due to flooding
A portion of Interstate 29 in western Iowa was closed overnight due to flooding. The closure is in the Honey Creek area and Interstate 29 traffic is being detoured onto I-680 and I-80. State and county officials are urging people driving in the area to pay attention to posted detour signs. They … [Read more...]