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...]
AAA Iowa says the state gas supply is secure
While some gas stations in the Southern U.S. have temporarily closed and pump prices are rising on the East Coast, there's only one report of a Davenport-area convenience store running out of gas, though prices are climbing in many Iowa cities. Meredith Mitts, spokeswoman for AAA Iowa, says the … [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...]
Farm Bureau leader likes infrastructure proposal, concerned about tax hike
As members of Congress weigh the merits of President Biden's two-trillion dollar infrastructure plan, a report shows Iowa has nearly 1,800 bridges in need of repair or replacement. Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill says infrastructure is a critical issue for farmers and ranchers. "Those … [Read more...]
Expert advises you to do research before traveling
Pandemic restrictions are being relaxed in some areas after more than a year, and optimistic Iowans are responding by planning summer vacations to destinations near and far. Hamilton County Public Health director Shelby Kroona says to do your homework first and make certain visitors are being … [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...]
AAA says more demand causing gas prices to increase
That giant container ship was finally freed in the Suez Canal earlier today, unclogging a vital trade artery which might mean a slight drop in gasoline prices in Iowa. Over the past few weeks, gas prices have been creeping upward in many Iowa communities, but not just because of the grounded … [Read more...]
DOT putting money into Mississippi River mooring for barges
The Iowa Transportation Commission recently approved $2 million for a new parking spot for barges on the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. DOT planner, Stuart Anderson, says it's called a mooring cell. "It goes in the river in advance of a lock and dam and it provides the ability for a barge … [Read more...]
Special traffic effort planned for St. Patrick’s Day
The state's new Traffic Fatality Task Force will launch the first of four special traffic enforcement efforts Wednesday for St. Patrick's Day. State Patrol Spokesman Alex Dinkla says they bring all agencies together to work on the issue. "As a fatality reduction task force, one of the first … [Read more...]
Counties see cost of gravel for roads increasing
With spring arriving, that can mean the need to shore up county rural roads with more gravel. Plymouth County Engineer Tom Rohe says that gravel is becoming difficult to locate, and in short supply, and consequently the price has risen sharply. Rohe says gravel is still the best option for those … [Read more...]