Snowplows join roadwork

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Secondary Roads crews broke out the snowplows alongside their other work this past week as the area saw its first significant snowfall last weekend.

Following the snowfall Sunday, crews set out in snowplows to clear the paved county roads.

Crews also worked on blading roads, though this has created some messier gravel roads when paired with recent rain.

“This week and last week with the rains we have had, our gravel roads are sloppy,” County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss said. “I wouldn’t say they’re muddy yet, but they are sloppy when we’ve been blading, and those fines are on top. It takes a while for those to get tied down again.”

According to Hotchkiss, some residents have noticed the sloppy roads and asked why crews are blading if this is the result.

“We’ve got to blade to get those roads to shape back up, but they also turn kind of messy when we get these kinds of rains,” Hotchkiss explained.

Hotchkiss says they’re aware and trying to get them cleaned up.

Additional work by secondary roads crews this last week included Grout Scouts grouting three structures to finish lining projects for the year, loading lime to Henry County Residents, completed work to vacate road and burning brush on Kentucky Avenue, replacing crossroad pipe on Henry-Lee road south of Salem, hauling spot rock to various locations, and continued work on signs throughout the county.

According to Hotchkiss, “Maintenance forces started clearing and grubbing operation on Franklin Avenue South of Fremont Avenue this week. Flaggers and roadwork ahead signs will be used as we progress through the project.”

Information released from the Engineer’s Office last week stated this project will cover a 1.27-mile stretch between 260th and 275th streets on Franklin Avenue through the winter for culvert work and tree clearing in preparation for a future resurfacing project.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com