Hearing set to close dangerous intersection

Board of Supervisors
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

Jones County and the City of Anamosa are one step closer to closing Old Dubuque Road/130th Street. 

The dangerous intersection has been the topic of much discussion recently at Jones County Supervisor meetings and Anamosa City Council meetings. This follows the passing of a Jones County deputy treasurer at the intersection of Old Dubuque Road and Highway 151 in early November. 

During the Dec. 3 supervisor meeting, the board passed a resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed road vacation. The joint public hearing with the county and Anamosa will be held at the Anamosa Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. 

The resolution states that Old Dubuque Road/130th Street was established in February 1860. 

“It was one road at one time,” said County Engineer Derek Snead regarding the history of the road. “Now it’s two different roads.” 

The closure will include approximately 750 feet just to the west of the golf course entrance (Fawn Creek). 

Snead said this road closure/vacation would be treated like any other vacation the county has approved in the past. 

While it’s a joint public hearing with the City of Anamosa, County Attorney Kristofer Lyons said both governing bodies would need to pass separate resolutions following the hearing. 

“We can wrap this into one meeting, with two motions,” urged Snead. 

Notice was also sent to the Iowa DOT and adjacent property owners concerning the county and Anamosa’s intent on closing the intersection. 

Snead said between now and the Jan. 9 hearing, this gives both entities time to collect needed information about the closure, as well as answers to any of their questions. 

“Whatever you need to better prepare you to make a decision at that time,” he said. 

“We have a lot of data and good information. At the end of the day, though, we feel strongly that the best way to make an impact is to close it.” 

Snead and Sheriff Greg Graver both said closing it sooner rather than later eliminates the possibility for future accidents at that intersection. 

“It will; every day that it’s open,” said Snead. “It’s going to happen.” 

Category:

Subscriber Login