The state DOT's 511 website shows the roads across much of Iowa's southwestern half are completely snow-covered, with blizzard warnings posted for 18 northwest Iowa counties. Visibility is down to a quarter-mile in some areas. Most of Iowa can expect three to six inches of snow by … [Read more...]
Legislators ponder rumble strips, left-lane hogs, backseat belts
Three traffic-related bills have already emerged in the 2020 Iowa legislature. A bill to make seat belt use mandatory for back-seat passengers has cleared a subcommittee in the Iowa Senate. Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake says federal statistics show nearly half of the people killed in motor … [Read more...]
Millions in Volkswagen settlement funds available to replace diesel engines
The Iowa Department of Transportation is accepting applications for funding from the national Volkswagen Settlement. Debra Arp leads the team that is handling the grant paperwork. "Volkswagen came into a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and created this trust fund to do … [Read more...]
Iowa DOT message: drunk driving ‘impairs your 2020 vision’
The Iowa DOT's message boards on the state's interstates and highways are displaying a message geared toward the New Year's holiday. This week's digital message on Iowa DOT message boards is this: "Drinking and driving impairs your 2020 vision." The DOT changes the message every Monday, so this … [Read more...]
DOT director resigns at the request of the governor
Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Lowe announced today he is resigning on January 10th. A spokesperson tells Radio Iowa that the governor asked Lowe to resign. The Governor's spokesperson released this statement: “Governor Reynolds appreciates Director Mark Lowe’s years of service, … [Read more...]
Fire damages I-29 bridge in Sioux City
A fire Wednesday in a homeless camp damaged a downtown Interstate 29 bridge in Sioux City. DOT spokesman, Dakin Schultz, says traffic on the mainline bridge over Perry Creek has been cut to one lane. "The fire occurred toward the outside of the structure or toward the outside shoulder of the … [Read more...]
Blackout tops black and gold in sale of Iowa specialty license plates
Blackout uniforms are a popular trend for college football teams and now the blackout license plate has taken over as the first choice for Iowa drivers. Iowa DOT Vehicle Services Manager, Daniel Yeh says sales of the blackout plates have exceed all expectations. "Through October 15th of this year … [Read more...]
State snowplow drivers train in a variety of ways for upcoming weather
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...]