The federal emissions settlement with Volkswagen is providing nearly $5 million that schools districts can apply for to replace diesel buses and to cut air emissions. The Iowa Propane Gas Association is lobbying districts to try propane buses over electric or new diesel engines. Association … [Read more...]
Chinese coronavirus transportation restrictions leading to lower gas prices here
The fast-spreading outbreak of the coronavirus overseas is evidently causing gasoline prices to fall in Iowa. Rose White at AAA-Iowa says the illness that has sickened at least 10-thousand people and killed more than 200 has forced China to restrict the travel of tens of millions of people. … [Read more...]
City of Dubuque working on new high-tech traffic control system
The city of Dubuque has received a federal grant that will help it move ahead with a high-tech system to help keep traffic moving smoothly on city streets. Chandra Ravada is helping the city in his role with the East Central Intergovernmental Association. He says the city has a common basic … [Read more...]
Sioux City responds to proposed FAA fine against airport
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $145,452 civil penalty against the Sioux Gateway Airport for numerous alleged safety violations at the Iowa airfield. The FAA inspected Sioux Gateway Airport in May 2018, June 2019 and September 2019 and says there were violations each time, … [Read more...]
Quad Cities business busy upgrading aircraft to meet deadline
Employees of Quad Cities-based Elliott Aviation are very busy working to help jet owners add new technology and meet new, federal requirements before 2020 arrives. The company has a contract with Garmin to install an avionics package called the "G-5000." Conrad Theisen, Elliott's avionics sales … [Read more...]
Number of Thanksgiving travelers expected to be up
It's predicted tens of thousands of Iowans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home next week to share a Thanksgiving meal with family and friends. Rose White, at AAA-Iowa, says the state's highways and interstates will be especially busy, no matter what the weather forecast may … [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...]
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...]
New Mississippi River bridge at I-74 is on track despite rumors
Construction of the new Interstate 74 bridge over the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities was making good progress this year until repeated flooding caused multiple delays. Project manager Danielle Alvarez says they are making good progress, as the four starting points for the huge arches are … [Read more...]