attempting to travel on closed roads can be extremely dangerous to

motorists. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is receiving

reports of motorists moving road blocks to travel on highways that may

still be covered with water, have sustained severe pavement damage or

both.

The damage to these pavements will not be repaired until the flood event

is over and contracts can be let for repair work. Even with emergency

procedures in place, this process can take several months or longer.

Because the Iowa DOT's first priority is to protect the safety of the

public, the road closures and detours are set to direct the public to

the safest road, which may be several miles from the actual pavement

damage or water issue. In most instances, motorists won't be able to see

US Charles City

US 6 at Cedar River

Highway 92 Columbus Jct.

150 North of Vinton

22 West of Muscatine

the road dangers from the closure or detour route.