[simage=174,400,y,center]

In a KNIA/KRLS follow-up story, county officials continued discussion – and expressed concern – over the Iowa Department of Transportation moving to close the Mile-Long Bridge on Highway 14 when there are sustained winds exceeding 50 miles an hour. Marion County Supervisor Jim Kingery says the detour, which would force motorists heading south to take G-28 to highway 163 south to T-17, would be significantly longer than leaving the bridge open, while Sheriff Ron Goemaat expressed concern that increased traffic on other roads would increase the likelihood for accidents and other potential problems. County Engineer Roger Schletzbaum says another problem is maintenance: when the detour is in effect the new route becomes a state road system, and it’s not sure how the DOT will have the vehicles and time to maintain the route.