Governor Culver announces Iowa DOT to expedite repairs to flood damaged roads and bridges
AMES, Iowa – July 3, 2008 – Today, Governor Chet Culver announced that the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is expediting Iowa’s flood recovery efforts by taking steps to open damaged roads and bridges as rapidly as possible. To achieve this goal, the Iowa DOT is using three contracting approaches, and soliciting the assistance of qualified contractors who have the resources and ability to quickly perform the needed repair work.
“As Governor, I am committed to doing whatever necessary to rebuild our communities, and return life to normal for Iowans,” said Governor Culver. “These transportation contracting procedures will help us rebuild our roads faster, and get Iowans moving again. The road to recovery will be difficult, but by working together with a determined spirit, I am confident that we will rebuild Iowa stronger and better than before.”
The Iowa DOT is using the following three contracting approaches to expedite repair work.
1. Immediate repair contracting - As flood waters recede, the Iowa DOT is immediately assessing the damage to the state’s roads and structures to determine what repairs can be made quickly to restore them to full or partial traffic, or are needed to prevent further damage or loss. If the repair work cannot be performed by the department, the Iowa DOT may contract for the emergency work using an expedited process that does not require advertising for bids. Examples of such work include: minor bridge repairs, roadbed repair, pavement undermining repair, pavement patching/replacement, and granular shoulder repair. The type of repair varies by location. Payment for the work is typically based on time and materials.
2. Emergency repair contract letting process – If the work cannot be accomplished through the first process, then the DOT will bid the project through its expedited emergency repair contract letting process. Such lettings have already started and will continue weekly, as long as warranted. For complete details, visit the Iowa DOT’s highway contracting Web site - www.ia.bidx.com/main/index.html. Any qualified contractor may bid on these emergency repair contracts. In most instances, the contractor will be required to begin work on the repairs the week following the letting.
3. Normal contract letting process – For projects that do not have immediacy or are for damage mitigation for potential future flooding, the contracts will be let through the normal monthly letting process. Qualified contractors interested in performing emergency repair work are asked to contact the Iowa DOT’s Office of Contracts at 515-239-1414 or by E-mail to dot.contracts@dot.iowa.gov. The Iowa DOT’s July 2, 2008, letting included three emergency repair projects: Iowa 1 in Linn County; U.S. 6 in Muscatine County; and Iowa 76 in Allamakee County.
Four additional emergency repair projects are presently on the schedule for the July 9 emergency bid letting.
Iowa 14 in Marion County
This project will repair damage due to a shoulder slide on Iowa 14 approximately 0.5 miles north of Knoxville. A traffic signal for the one lane open to traffic is in place and will remain in place during the repair project. The contractor will be allowed 10 working days to complete the one-quarter mile repair project.
Contact: Fred Bartos at 641-469-4055 or frederick.bartos@dot.iowa.gov
Iowa 22 in Muscatine County
Grading and replacement of the concrete pavement in both lanes are included with this project beginning near the east junction of Iowa 70 west of Muscatine and proceeding east for approximately two miles. A detour is in place using U.S. 218, Interstate 80 and U.S. 6/Iowa 38.
Contact: Fred Bartos at 641-469-4055 or frederick.bartos@dot.iowa.gov
Iowa 57 in Black Hawk County
The letting for repairs on Iowa 57 east of the Cedar River bridge in Cedar Falls includes the replacement of damaged guardrail. The project begins 0.2 miles east of the Cedar River and continues to the river. Crews are expected to begin work July 14 and are being allowed 10 working days for completion. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction on the four-lane divided highway.
Contact: Mark Callahan at 641-422-9442 or mark.callahan@dot.iowa.gov
Iowa 150 in Benton County
This project includes approximately 1.7 miles of roadway reconstruction and shoulder paving. Work may begin as early as July 14, weather permitting.
During reconstruction, Iowa 150 will be open to one lane of traffic during specified hours from the north city limits of Vinton to Benton County Road E-16. Traffic will be flagged through the construction area. Due to safety concerns, this one-lane area will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; and closed from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., including weekends. Iowa 150 remains closed north of the Benton County Road E-16 intersection.
Contact: Catherine Cutler at 319-364-0235 or catherine.cutler@dot.iowa.gov
When traveling through a work zone, motorists are urged to obey all traffic signs and flagger instructions, reduce distractions and allow ample space between vehicles.
