“Things are progressing well, but there has been some lost time with weather,” said Jenny Hoskins, a resident construction engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation. “They are currently doing everything in their power to get done in a timely manner, but it is possible it will be past Nov. 6 before we can safely reopen the roadway to all travel.”

Time will also be lost due to vandalism done last weekend. According to Hoskins, a motorcycle drove through fresh concrete at the intersection of 290th Street, east of U.S. Highway 169 either late Saturday or early Sunday morning.

“All the concrete with footprints and motorcycle tracks will have to be removed and repoured,” said Hoskins.

Croell, Inc., the contractor for the project, is offering a reward for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible.

According to Hoskins and Croell, Inc. Project Manager Jeremy Bahe, it appears that there were two passengers on the motorcycle with multiple footprints throughout the section as they worked to free the motorcycle from the concrete.

“If the driver is found, the contractor will pursue reimbursement for the cost of the repairs including material, time, and equipment,” said Hoskins.

On Monday, the paving crew reached a point approximately one-quarter mile north of 270th Street. They hoped to continue on to one-quarter mile short of the intersection of 250th Street Tuesday night. The crew hopes to reach 250th Street today and will close that intersection until work is complete.

Traffic continues to be able to cross U.S. Highway 169 at all intersections south of 300th Street, with the exception of 290th Street, which will be closed until repairs from the motorcycle damage can be made.

The Iowa DOT’s contract for the repaving work closes on Nov. 6.