(Le Mars) — This time of year, motorists start to see the orange cones and barrels along with road closure signs as road construction projects get started.
Plymouth County Engineer Tom Rohe says the number of construction projects scheduled for this summer compares with what was completed from last year.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Rohe1.MP3{/audio}
Rohe says many of the construction projects scheduled had submitted bids back in February and March.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Rohe2.MP3{/audio}
The Plymouth County engineer expects to see the asphalt overlay project and the grading project to get started in June. He says local contractor crews will be busy this spring and summer installing new culvert boxes and bridges.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Rohe3.MP3{/audio}
Rohe says he believes all of the construction projects will be completed by late August to early September. Last year the Iowa legislature passed an increase in the state’s fuel tax. Rohe says that increase has helped push some construction projects ahead in the priority list, as well as able to fund additional construction projects.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Rohe4.MP3{/audio}
Rohe says many people may not realize the cost and investment involved with paving a road, or installing a new bridge. He says those projects often run into the thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, and sometimes, even millions of dollars.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Rohe5.MP3{/audio}
