Residents urge caution as K Avenue work and dust control continue

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the Tama County Board of Supervisors for faster fixes and clearer communication about K Avenue repairs and dust control. Speakers described large equipment, heavy truck traffic and loose gravel that has washed into ditches; one commenter warned drivers to “slow down and move over” to avoid ditch crashes.

Board members and staff said the work is part of a state Department of Transportation project being done in segments. An engineer said dust-control treatments and gravel placement will be done in sections and that some sign placement (35 mph) was scheduled, though not every intersection will receive new signage immediately. Staff acknowledged the temporary nature of the fixes and the DOT’s material formulas, noting that heavy traffic and oversized farm equipment accelerate loss of surfacing materials. The board encouraged residents to report problem spots so the county can follow up with the contractor and DOT.

Quote: “If people don't slow down and actually drive 35 mph on K Avenue, they're probably going to be extremely dangerous,” a public commenter said during the meeting.

The county will continue to monitor the roadwork and bring updates to the board; staff said a follow-up on specific sign placement and dust-control scheduling would be raised with DOT and reported back to residents.