Road and bridge closures on Hwy 2

Be advised Highway 2 west bound (Donnellson to Farmington) traffic will be closed starting March 29, 2021 at 8 am.

Please plan accordingly!

Bridge closure on Iowa 2 east of Farmington begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Mar. 29  

Posted on: March 22, 2021

FAIRFIELD, Iowa – Mar. 22, 2021 – Replacement of the Iowa 2 bridge over Lick Creek (4.3 miles east of the junction with Iowa 81) east of Farmington, and the bridge over Sugar Creek (1.8 miles west of U.S. 218), will require closing the road to traffic over the Lick Creek bridge beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Mar. 29, until late-June, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fairfield construction office.

Once the Lick Creek bridge opens, the Sugar Creek bridge will close for construction. The bridge projects will be coordinated so the Iowa 2 bridges are not closed at the same time.

Lick Creek Project: This project involves removing the existing steel girder and floor beam bridge and replacing it with a single span beam bridge. The project will also involve raising the grade, erosion control, paving the shoulders, and installing new guardrail.

Sugar Creek Project: This project involves removing the existing steel I-beam/concrete beam bridge and replacing it with a pretensioned, prestressed concrete beam bridge. The project will also involve raising the grade, erosion control, paving the shoulders, and installing new guardrail.

Detour Route: Through traffic on Iowa 2 will be detoured using U.S. 218, Lee County Road J-40/160th Street, and Lee County Road W-46/100th Avenue. It is anticipated the detour will be in place for most of the construction season. Local traffic will have access to Iowa 2 except for the bridges crossing over Lick Creek and Sugar Creek (see map).

Additional shoulder construction and micro surfacing operations will be active along Iowa 2. Flaggers, pilot cars and signalized lights will be in place to assist motorists in getting around the work zones.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive the email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help for this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

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Contact: Hector Torres-Cacho at 641-469-4007 or hector.torres-cacho@iowadot.us

Camp Fee Increase Reminder 2021

 

Camp Fees have increased. 

 Before you drop your deposit in the box, make sure you have enclosed the correct amount.

WHOA!

Just a friendly reminder of the DNR fee changes statewide announced earlier this year.

Lick Creek overnight camping fee for both Upper and Lower campgrounds has increased.

New Fee is $13 per night 

October 16, 2021 to April 30, 2022 the fee will be $10

Have a wonderful time camping, riding and hiking this coming season.  Let's hope the weather cooperates and gives us some beautiful days on the trails.  Stay safe and enjoy yourself.

Editor

Kathy

Update on the road into Shimek 3-10-21

 

The news we have all been waiting for has arrived! 

Update on roads and trails at Shimek Lick Creek Unit. 

Forester John Byrd advised today (3/10) that roads are clear and passable now. Wet Weather Trails are open and good for riding. 

All dirt trails still closed due to some very slimy spots and downed trees. Please stay off of the dirt trails - they will be opened as soon as firm enough for riding. 

Campgrounds are clear of snow but ground off the gravel pads VERY soft so take care if you pull into a camping space to stay on the pad.

Upper day parking is clear. Lower day parking is still partly occupied by logs, but they are being removed.

As always, be mindful of fellow riders and hikers.  We need to share the trails in a joyful and cheerful manner.  Take time to be respectful and responsible for the items you carry along.  (if you have room to carry a bottle, can, or snack in, you have room to bring it back out with you.)  Please help keep the trails clean and well maintained.

Have a safe and wonderful time within the forest.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor