Drivers: Be wary of driving on snow-covered roads

Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss is reminding drivers to be mindful on the road following the first snowfall of the year on Thursday night, Nov. 8.

During a Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13, Hotchkiss said Henry County was 'fortunate” as other counties saw a few bad accidents following the early snow last week.

'Road conditions can vary greatly one mile to the next. It's just one of those deals where people have to be mindful,” Hotchkiss said.

On Friday, Nov. 9, plow trucks were sent out early to clear bridges and check intersections for snow and ice before switching back to hauling resurfacing rock.

The Roads Department works with law enforcement during the winter if they get a call about specific icy problem areas. Hotchkiss said the department will respond to those sites within the county after hours of operation if needed.

Last week, the Roads Department also hauled resurfacing rock to Salem Township, 250th Street and Benton; installed crossroad pipes around Winfield; and worked on sign reflectivity across the county.

Additionally, crews prepped ditching projects; bladed and rolled Merrimac Road west of Trenton; mowed, bladed and hauled spot rock to various locations.

This week, the contractor on Mediapolis Road will be working on shoulders and painting the pavement marks after placing the asphalt last week. Hotchkiss said the resurfacing is a two-inch surface laid on top of the original roadwork.

'So, it's not perfect, but it's an improvement,” Hotchkiss said.

Iowa Bridge and Culvert completed the concrete portion of a culvert on Benton Avenue and will be working on backfilling and cleaning up the site. County crews will be in later this week to work on grading.