DOT bridge projects, detour plans and County Engineer report outline road work and detour impacts

County transportation staff reviewed two Iowa Department of Transportation preconstruction agreements and summarized secondary‑roads accomplishments and upcoming work during the Dec. 18 work session.

Staff described a DOT bridge deck overlay (Prime Home Road) that will require a full closure and, because the bridge cannot be kept partially open, recommended a detour via Newport Road to Highway 1 to avoid worsening conditions on Linder Road. Staff said they had asked DOT whether the work could be phased or allow one-lane alternating traffic, and were told that would not be possible.

"So, we asked the DOT about that. They're not gonna be any help on that. But they have to do the maintenance on the bridge," a staff member said; staff urged extensive outreach because county roads and residents will be most affected.

A second DOT preconstruction agreement covers replacing a demolished Lower West structure; staff said the detour is already in place and recommended placing the agreement on a future work session agenda for formal approval and signature.

County Engineer Greg Parker then presented an annual progress report covering FY24 and FY25 budgets, maintenance metrics (about 103,000 tons of rock used, nearly 20 miles of chip seal), completed construction totaling about $8.4 million and planned overlay and MRP (maintenance reconstruction program) activities. Parker also highlighted green initiatives such as asphalt recycling, recycled plastic grid use, and testing of alternative rebar materials.

Supervisors thanked staff for roadwork progress, and staff said the DOT projects will return for formal board approval on a future meeting agenda.