iowa dot

Morrissey named DOT engineer
The Hawk Eye


An assistant engineer from the Iowa Department of Transportation's office in Atlantic will become the District 5 engineer in Fairfield, replacing Larry Jackson. Jackson, who has been with the Iowa DOT for 42 years, will retire Dec. 13.

J. Brian Morrissey has been at the DOT's District 4 office for seven years. He will move to the Fairfield office Friday.

Prior to joining the Iowa DOT, Morrissey worked in the private sector, as well as being county engineer in several Iowa counties.

With his varied career experience as a licensed civil engineer and land surveyor, Morrissey brings well-rounded knowledge and experience to the position.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges of my new position and the opportunity to serve the transportation community in southeast Iowa," Morrissey said.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is holding a computer sale Tuesday. Sue Brekke with the DOT says 100 computers will be sold "as is." "It's like a big garage sale," Brekke says, "it's first come, first serve."

Most of the computers are Pentium 4's and do not include any software. Brekke says most of the computer are priced at $65 or less. The package includes a PC, keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

"Our computers are on a five year replacement cycle," Brekke says, "so most of them are five years or older." The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Iowa DOT complex at 800
Eyeing forecast, DOT warns drivers to use caution
Nov. 30, 2007; 12:18 p.m.
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Press release submitted by Iowa Department of Transportation




AMES, Iowa � Nov. 30, 2007 -- According to the National Weather Service, this weekend will bring a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow for Iowa, along with very strong winds.


To prepare for this winter weather event, Iowa DOT officials urge drivers to evaluate the necessity of each trip and monitor weather forecasts and road condition reports before heading out on the roads. Log on to www.511ia.org for the latest road conditions. If you must travel during this winter weather event, please consider the following recommendations.


Fill your gas tank. Before traveling in winter weather, always keep your gas tank nearly full and make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.


Use your vehicle's safety equipment. Your headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter weather. Turn them on to see and be seen. Always wear your seatbelt and demand that all passengers also buckle up.


Never use cruise control during winter weather. Your vehicle's cruise control sensors may not work properly if the tires are traveling on packed snow or ice. This can cause your vehicle to increase speed and increase the danger of a crash.


Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. This kit should contain items to help sustain your life should your vehicle become stranded. These items can include: a cell phone, booster cables, candles and matches, a flashlight with fresh batteries, extra blankets and warm clothes, non-perishable food items, a can for melting water, and a snow shovel.


Watch carefully for ice on the roadway. During periods of frigid weather, the chemicals the DOT uses to clear roadways are not as effective as they are in warmer temperatures. The danger of black ice also increases. Bridges, overpasses and ramps often freeze first, so use extra caution in these areas.


Use caution when approaching or following a snowplow. Snowplows generally operate at much slower speeds than other traffic. In clearing the roads, plows often move sideways when removing drifts and can generate a 'snow cloud' that may impair the vision of nearby drivers. Remain a safe distance behind the snowplow. Never continue driving alongside a plow, and pass only when you have clear visibility. Allow plenty of space as you pass a snowplow because its wing blade extends past the side of the vehicle. Do not cut back into the lane of traffic too closely in front of a snowplow because the plow blade also extends in front of the vehicle.





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