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1. When a road is closed for a project and traffic uses rock roads, how is the dust being controlled?

When a road is closed for a project the Road Department monitors the alternate routes that traffic is taking and obtains traffic counts, both manual and with automated devices, to determine the number of vehicles per day (vpd) on nearby rock roads. If the traffic count is consistently 200 vpd or greater the County will provide calcium chloride dust control.  This approach is consistent with our Fugitive Dust policy.  The calcium chloride is intended to suppress the dust, not eliminate it, in order to create safer driving conditions.

2. Where can I find information about current road construction?

Find information about Linn County Secondary Road construction projects that are scheduled for the current year as well as the five-year construction plan on our Construction web page.

3. How can I receive regular project updates and other project details?

Residents can sign up for project updates through Notify Me on our website. Notify Me will allow you to receive updates by e-mail, text message or both. Updates can also be obtained by calling the Linn County Engineer’s Office at 319-892-6400.

4. What is the difference between Road Closed and Road Closed to Thru Traffic?

Roads may be closed during construction to keep everyone safe or to allow materials to cure before traffic is allowed back on. Drivers not following the road closure signs are putting themselves and the workers in danger. Drivers that do not follow the signing may be ticketed and invoiced for any damage caused.

Road Closed	Road Closed to Thru Traffic
Barricades & possibly fence blocking access	Barricades staggered to allow access
No traffic allowed in or out	Traffic allowed to location within the closure
Impassible conditions within closure	Traffic not allowed to drive through without a destination within the closed road

5. Will vehicle access be available at all times during the concrete paving project?

No, there will be times when access is not possible for local traffic. Local traffic will be allowed on the concrete pavement as soon as maturity is reached (typically within 48hrs.). All residents adjacent to the concrete paving are encouraged to plan travel accordingly during construction. The lack of access is an inconvenience but greatly reduces the amount of time for construction and results in a better product.

6. If access is not available at times throughout the project, how are emergency situations handled?

Emergency services will do all they can to respond to emergency situations. If the shoulder width is not sufficient for access, emergency vehicles will travel on the paved roadway, whether the concrete is mature or not. Concrete can be replaced.

7. How are various services such as mail delivery, garbage pick-up, and bus stops handled during the project?

All affected schools, mail routes, parks, etc. will receive notice of the construction. Affected property owners are required to coordinate individually with each specific service. Property owners adjacent to the paving are required to remove mailboxes during the project.

8. How will my driveway be adjusted to match the proposed concrete overlay?

All (concrete, asphalt, sealcoat, rock, etc.) drives adjacent to the paving will receive a granular taper to allow for the difference in road elevation (approximately 8”) after paving. Additional rock is available for $15/ton (10 ton minimum) if the property owner would like more rock. Property owners can pay to have their paved drives adjusted at a cost of $6/square foot. The cost to adjust a typical driveway is approximately $2,200. The rock placement and paved drive replacement is limited to within the County right-of-way. Please contact the Engineer’s Office if you are interested in having your paved drive replaced.

9. Recently I have seen County crews extending entrance culverts and flattening slopes on driveways and field entrances. How does the County choose which drives to do?

During projects, Linn County gives the adjacent property owners the opportunity to participate in safety improvements. This involves flattening entrance side slopes (6:1 – 6 feet horizontal to every 1 foot vertical) and eliminating headwalls. The flattened side slopes allow errant vehicles to pass over the entrance. The flattened slopes are easier to mow and maintain and allow farm equipment to turn into drives with less risk of sliding into the ditch. The property owner is asked to participate by purchasing the pipe needed to extend to the 6:1 slope. The county will provide the earth to finish the driveway and do rough shaping of the slopes. Please contact the Engineer’s office if you are adjacent to a project and did not receive a letter regarding these safety improvements.