The risk of flooding on the Mississippi River could cause further delays of the new $1.2 billion Interstate 74 bridge under construction between Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois. Almost two years after breaking ground, Iowa DOT construction engineer Doug McDonald says they're starting to put … [Read more...]
Bill to change rules for Uber, Lyft in Iowa parked
A bill that would have raised insurance coverage requirements on Uber and Lyft in Iowa has been sidelined at the statehouse. Republican Representative David Sieck of Glenwood says a state law passed in 2016 just established statewide standards for ride-sharing services. "If we do this, it's going … [Read more...]
Iowa airports hope to land millions in state funding
Managers of the state's airports are dealing with increased passenger traffic, more cargo and bigger planes -- and they're seeking a significant increase in state taxpayer support over the next decade. "We're doing what we can with the funds we have, but we've got a long way to go," says Marty … [Read more...]
Study shows electric cars lose driving range in extreme heat and cold
A new study that details how poorly electric cars perform during extremely cold weather likely isn't a surprise for anyone who already drives one of the plug-in vehicles. Nick Jarmusz, spokesman for AAA-Iowa, says this season of sleet, snow and super-low wind chills has a drastic impact on an … [Read more...]
Gas prices inch up again in Iowa
We're only a little over a month into winter and gasoline prices in Iowa are starting to gradually climb again. Nick Jarmusz, a spokesman for AAA-Iowa, says it's elementary economics -- as supplies start to be squeezed and demand begins to rise, prices will go up. "We're beginning to see the very … [Read more...]
Travel conditions not good in many parts of the state
Tow bans are in place in more than one dozen counties today as weather conditions are making travel dangerous in some areas. Iowa DOT Winter Operations Administrator, Craig Bargfrede, says state plow drivers have some tough conditions to work in. "High wind gusts, low visibility because of the … [Read more...]
Pilot shortage hitting some Iowa airports
Many of Iowa's largest employers rank commercial air service as a top factor in expansion and relocation decisions. However, a national pilot shortage is threatening air services in some mid-sized Iowa cities. Pam Osgood, director of the Mason City Municipal Airport, says the shortage is being … [Read more...]
Winnebago offers new motorhomes with wheelchair access
Forest City-based Winnebago Industries is unveiling three new motorhomes for people in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. Winnebago vice president for specialty vehicles Ashis Bhattacharya says the company has been modifying RVs through special orders for decades, but there’s enough demand to … [Read more...]
System now gives updated information on open parking spots to truckers
Operators of big rigs traveling through Iowa and seven other states are starting to take advantage of a new system designed to make it easier for commercial drivers to locate parking in rest areas and private truck stops. Phil Mescher with the Iowa DOT's Office of Systems Planning, says the effort … [Read more...]
AAA expects lots of people on roadways and in the air for holiday
The long holiday weekend starts this afternoon for many Iowans and it'll be the busiest holiday for travelers in Iowa and nationwide in nearly two decades. Rose White, at AAA-Iowa, says strong economic growth that's being fueled by robust consumer spending is driving the significant boost in … [Read more...]