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...]
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...]
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...]
DOT says Highway Helper expansion comes without increased cost
A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Transportation says they are expanding the hours and coverage of its Highway Helper trucks at a lower cost. The DOT's Bonnie Castillo says the bid for the program came in at $2.3 million, compared to $3.3 million under the previous contract. She says … [Read more...]
Interstate 35 flyover bridge in Ames now open
The long-delayed new flyover ramp at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Highway 30 on the edge of Ames finally opened today. The DOT's Jesse Tibodeau says construction started on the 23-million dollar project in December of 2016 and it was supposed to be done in two years. "In 2018 the … [Read more...]
Pump prices lower than last Labor Day
Many people are using the Labor Day holiday as their last getaway of the summer. AAA Iowa's, Mark Peterson, says you'll be happy when you gas up. "These are some of the lowest prices we've had in two to three years," according to Peterson. He says everything has worked well to keep the prices … [Read more...]