Board of Supervisors Ponders IFC Road Proposal

During the workshop portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting, Iowa DOT district engineer Jim Armstrong addressed the board regarding a potential road closure near the Iowa Fertilizer Plant. The IFC has requested that the overpass of 180^th street over highway 61 be permanently closed for safety reasons. Armstrong told the board that ultimately the decision will be the states but the board of supervisors must adopt an all-or-nothing stance. According to Armstrong, the IFC anticipated more truck traffic going south but now they are expecting 70% of their fertilizer to be shipped north on 61. Armstrong went on to state that if the county gives in they should require the IFC to foot the bill for all safety work that must be done on the roadway as well as their own traffic initiatives. Supervisors Ron Fedler and Gary Folluo were skeptical of the IFC’s traffic estimates while Don Hunold, who had previously spoken out against any traffic closures, said that in light of the new information the county needs to look into the issue more.