January 2011
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 –The Iowa Transportation Commission today approved $5 million in projects to assist the state’s transit agencies in replacing vehicles. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) was awarded $5 million for transit rolling stock replacement projects under the Fiscal Year 2010 federal Bus and Bus Facilities program in support of the State of Good Repair Initiative. Allocation of funding to specific projects follows procedures established in the Public Transit Equipment and Facilities Management System (PTMS),...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – Today, the Iowa Transportation Commission (Commission) approved more than $2.7 million in funding to support 29 public transit projects. The projects are funded under the state Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Fund and federal Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), New Freedom, and Intercity Bus Assistance programs. Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Fund The Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Fund provides state funding assistance to Iowa’s public transit systems for new or improved facilities to support...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – The combination of light blowing snow and cold surface temperatures could result in icy roadways due to a phenomenon called wheel track glazing. “Wheel-track glazing” is caused by warm tires trapping the ground level blowing snow. As more vehicles travel over the same wheel tracks a glaze of ice forms, which becomes very slippery. The condition is very difficult for Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) crews to treat, as the ice is continuously...
AMES, Iowa - Jan. 11, 2011 - 9:50 a.m. - Northbound Interstate 35 at milepost 96 near Elkart is now open. The southbound lanes remain closed due to multiple jackknifed semi tractor trailers. Southbound motorists are urged to seek alternative routes. #
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – 9:30 a.m. – The Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting both directions of Interstate 35 closed at milepost 96 near Elkhart due to multiple jackknifed semi tractor trailers. Reports indicate three large trucks off the road in the southbound lanes and one blocking northbound traffic. As temperatures plummet and winds increase today, motorists are urged to use caution as dangerous conditions are expected. Ice may form on many roadways and will be coupled...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – 7 a.m. - The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is reporting that nearly all roads in Iowa are completely covered with a mix of ice, snow or slush. The Iowa State Patrol is prohibiting towing services until the roads can be returned to normal winter driving conditions. The Iowa DOT is recommending that motorists exercise caution today, especially when traveling in open and rural areas. Be sure your winter survival kit, blankets and...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 10, 2011 – The light snow that has been falling in Iowa for the last several hours is melting on some Iowa roadways. If temperatures dip significantly overnight, the melting snow could quickly refreeze, causing dangerous ice to form. Melted snow or ice that refreezes may still look deceivingly like a dry road. Wet bridges and overpasses are most likely to freeze before the surrounding roadway. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) offers the following tips...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 10, 2011 – Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) driver's license stations and the Motor Carrier Permit Center will be closed for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday according to the following schedule. Driver's license stations All Iowa DOT driver's license stations, normally open Tuesday through Saturday, will be closed Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011. The stations will resume normal hours Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011. Motor Carrier Permit Center The Iowa DOT's Permit Center will be...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 10, 2011; 11:30 a.m. update – A trough of low pressure will move slowly eastward across the state today and tonight, producing a prolonged snowfall event. Although the snowfall rates will be light to moderate, the duration of this event will result in substantial accumulations before the snow tapers off Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday for all but the northeast corner of...
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 10, 2011 – 6:30 a.m. update – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is reporting that the roads in the western half of the state are currently partially or completely covered with snow. This includes Interstates 29, 35, 80 and 680. A winter weather advisory is in effect for all but the northeast corner of the state. This advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Travelers should expect slick road conditions as light to moderate...