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Silvertwinkie · 06-12-2008, 08:59 AM

I'm leavin' in a few hours. Looking fwd to seeing all the new faces and the familiar ones too.

Keep the shiny side up!

overlander64 · 06-12-2008, 09:21 AM

My mechanic just called, and my Cadillac has been successfully repaired. Next, it is off to the Cooper dealership to have my restored wheels mated to a set of tires and mounted on the car. I am still hoping to get on the road by 2:00 p.m. My drive is about 240 miles so I am getting a little concerned that I may not be able to get started soon enough to get to Morain View before dark. I will hope that the tire shop is able to complete their work as quickly as my mechanic completed his repairs.

Kevin

85MH325 · 06-12-2008, 10:19 AM

Iowa DOT prepares to close Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa

AMES, Iowa – June 12, 2008 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is making preparations to close the east- and westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa. The closure is tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoon, June 13. The roadway is expected to remain closed for approximately two to three days. The closure is flooding related.

Flood waters are expected to overtop the east- and westbound lanes of Interstate 80 at milepost 266 in Cedar County, just west of the Iowa 38 interchange (exit 267).

The planned detours for through traffic are as follows.

Westbound Interstate 80 traffic: Take the Iowa 38 exit (number 267). Go north on Iowa 38 to U.S. 30. Then go west on U.S. 30 to Cedar Rapids. Then go south on Interstate 380 to Interstate 80 at Coralville.
Eastbound Interstate 80 traffic: Take the Interstate 380 north exit at Coralville (exit 239). Go north on Interstate 380 to U.S. 30 in Cedar Rapids. Go east on U.S. 30 to Iowa 38. Then south on Iowa 38.

The Iowa DOT will be monitoring the highways along the detour route for any unexpected flooding problems. In the event that it is necessary to alter the route, travelers will be informed.

Local traffic will be allowed to use Interstate 80, as well as its entrances and exits, between Interstate 80, exit 265 (Atalissa interchange) and Iowa City. Traffic will not be permitted beyond the 265 and 267 exits.

The Iowa DOT is anticipating heavy traffic, congestion and delays on the detour route. Therefore, the department strongly suggests the following as a way to reduce problems in the area during this critical time.

Regional and coast-to-coast commercial motor vehicle operators that do not need to make a stop in Iowa should consider a route that avoids the state.
Iowa residents should avoid travel on the detour roads, if at all possible.
Commercial vehicle operators that cannot avoid the area should NOT use the county roadways as alternative routes.

For the latest updates on road conditions, visit Iowa DOT Travel Information Service or call 511 in Iowa or 800-288-1047 outside the state. Due to the ever-changing water levels and today’s rain events, it is essential that motorists know whether the roadways they intend to use are available for travel. By using 511, the safety and convenience of travelers will be greatly improved, and congestion and frustration reduced.

The Iowa DOT recognizes the significant inconvenience this closure presents and will reopen the roadway just as soon as the waters recede and any necessary repairs are made.

#

Contact: Dena Gray-Fisher, 515-239-1922 or dena.grayfisher@dot.iowa.gov

85MH325 · 06-12-2008, 11:38 AM

The flooding condition continues to deteriorate in our county. If DOT closes I80, all that traffic will be routed through Tipton, and I may be stuck working. I-380 is being shut down in Cedar Rapids as I write. Essentially the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids area is becoming paralyzed by flood waters. My wife works at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, and it's quickly becoming an island. Apparently as I write, she's out moving her car to higher ground. She may end up working as may I. Cedar

As of right now, we're still planning on leaving tomorrow, but that may change on a moment's notice, and we may not be able to let anyone know. Look for us when you see us show up.

Roger

overlander64 · 06-12-2008, 06:19 PM

Murphy tried to intervene after my arrival at the Cooper Tire Shop, but as luck would have it, there was a retired technician filling in for the tech who usually works on my car during his vacation. It took much longer than anticippated, and I wasn't able to get away from the tire shop until after 4:30 p.m. -- rather than arrive after Midnight, I will wait and depart in the morning -- hopefully about 9:00 a.m. The restored wheels on my Cadillac solved all of its vibration problems both front and rear!

I will be looking forward to seeing everyone!

Kevin

overlander64 · 06-12-2008, 06:27 PM

Greetings Roger!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85MH325

The flooding condition continues to deteriorate in our county. If DOT closes I80, all that traffic will be routed through Tipton, and I may be stuck working. I-380 is being shut down in Cedar Rapids as I write. Essentially the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids area is becoming paralyzed by flood waters. My wife works at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, and it's quickly becoming an island. Apparently as I write, she's out moving her car to higher ground. She may end up working as may I. Cedar

As of right now, we're still planning on leaving tomorrow, but that may change on a moment's notice, and we may not be able to let anyone know. Look for us when you see us show up.

Roger

This is beginning to sound almost too much like 1993. I can still remember trying to pick my route through Iowa when I was moving from Northwest Kansas to Southwest Wisconsin. It seemed like it was one long flood -- the small town where I lived in Kansas had flooded and it seemed like there was flood damage along almost the entire route. When I arrived in Southwest Wisconsin the motel where I was staying had just re-opened following flood clean-up.

I guess that I had better check the Net before I leave. My plan was to take US 61 North from Davenport to Dubuque -- continuing on to Minnesota following the Midwest Rally. I know that my friends in Southwest Wisconsin have warned me about flooding along the Little Platte near Platteville; and the last time I was through the area flood waters were just inches from the US 61 bridge crossing the Maquoketa River in Maquoketa, IA. After 1993, I believe that flooding spooks me more than tornadoes!

Take care, and I'll be hoping that you will be able to make it to the Rally.

Kevin

85MH325 · 06-12-2008, 06:51 PM

It's much worse than 1993. I-80 will be closing at 8pm tonight (thursday). The interstate detour route will be SR 61 at Davenport to US 20 to I-35 and back to I-80 in Des Moines. I expect that the US 30 bridge in Cedar Rapids won't stay open much past the I-80 bridge closing.

Cedar Rapids downtown is completely submerged and without power or other services.
We're currently without power here as the Alliant distribution line is down; the good news is that our city power generation plant is up and operating so we at least have lights and refrigeration, although we're not allowing folks to use their air conditioning. All of the major factories and businesses in town are shut down and off the grid so we can carry the residential and essential commercial sections of town with electricity.

We continue to be under a tornado watch until 2AM tomorrow morning.

My wife is stuck at the hospital in Cedar Rapids as essential employees must stay if there's no clear route for them to return in the morning. I'm just no (8pm) headed home for a little dinner. My officers are now on a port and starboard rotation; days off and vacations are suspended.

Sorry we won't be able to make the rally. Hope you guys have a great time!

Rog

DPeakMD · 06-12-2008, 08:01 PM

Sorry to hear you won't be coming, Roger. Thanks for the detailed updates on things there in your area. My best wishes to you and your wife. Stay safe!

CanoeStream · 06-12-2008, 08:30 PM

Oh Roger, too darned bad! We'll miss you and Laurie. These are tough conditions all around. If I click my heels together three times I can believe, "There really is a Bigfoot. There really is a Bigfoot." There are a lot of folks hurting in the midwest right now. We are camping just east of Columbus, IN, tonight and our thoughts are with RedSHED and their friends and neighbors.

You don't think we'd confuse it a bit ... since we are camping near Bloomington IN? By traveling today we cut our Friday travel time from KY in half -- down to 200 miles Friday and we'll be pulling in.

How about the Moraine View folks? Anybody getting cell reception and thinking of posting? Some company is bound to have put cell antennas on at least one of the wind generators around the park!

cosmotini · 06-12-2008, 10:06 PM

Hi Roger,

Sorry we won't be seeing you this year. Stay safe.

We're planning on pulling out around noon tomorrow and should be there around 4pm. Reality usually rears it's head and we'll probably leave around 3pm. What's that phrase ... something HAPPENS!

Scott S · 06-13-2008, 07:46 AM

By now you all know about the flood here in Iowa. Roger has had to cancle out. We are safe and somewhat dry. Friends are not so fortunate. I have spent the last two days helping sandbag and move their posessions to higher ground. Current crest estimates are 8 feet higher than when we started moving things, so we hope and pray that the stuff is high enough and that their home survives.

That said, nearly all that can be done for them, has been. In the last two days I bet that nearly 100 people came out to help. It is now a waiting game. Current plans are to start packing the trailer this morning and hopefully arrive before nightfall but after the storms move out!

DPeakMD · 06-13-2008, 07:59 AM

Glad you're OK, Scott.

It looks like Le Roy, IL is in for a full day of heavy rains from the looks on the radar this morning.

85MH325 · 06-13-2008, 07:59 AM

Well, how things change in just a few hours overnight. IDOT had planned to route I-80 traffic through Tipton, necessitating the appropriate law enforcement response. That changed, and I-80 south of town is empty as the through traffic is now routed from Davenport north, over to I-35 and down to Des Moines. The power was off for a while last night, and we were anticipating being out for days. Alliant got the main feed line re-routed in just a couple of hours (THANK YOU JOHN_HD!!!!) and the rain has stopped at least for now. As Scott said, all that can be done here has been done, at least for the time being. Laurie has made it out of Cedar Rapids this morning and found an un-obstructed route home.

We may yet try to get out of here early this afternoon... so we may yet see you all there!

Roger

norbert · 06-13-2008, 08:48 AM

have some fun then.....

CanoeStream · 06-13-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPeakMD

It looks like Le Roy, IL is in for a full day of heavy rains from the looks on the radar this morning.

Dallas, we just pulled up the stabilizers at Brown County State Park just south of you. If it slides eastward just a bit faster there's a chance of rain stopping by the time of Jack's soiree tonight. Radar here (Le Roy just NW of Champaign). It'll be a wet trip but I've got my fingers crossed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by norbert

have some fun then.....

Steve, just give me notice that you're coming and I'll find the best lutefisk money can buy. It's headed to Akron Retreads tomorrow if it doesn't sell today. We'll miss ya little feller.

Cottage · 06-13-2008, 11:26 AM

A lot of campers made it here at the campground yesterday. There was about 13 campers when we pulled in!

Cottage · 06-13-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Well, how things change in just a few hours overnight. IDOT had planned to route I-80 traffic through Tipton, necessitating the appropriate law enforcement response. That changed, and I-80 south of town is empty as the through traffic is now routed from Davenport north, over to I-35 and down to Des Moines. The power was off for a while last night, and we were anticipating being out for days. Alliant got the main feed line re-routed in just a couple of hours (THANK YOU JOHN_HD!!!!) and the rain has stopped at least for now. As Scott said, all that can be done here has been done, at least for the time being. Laurie has made it out of Cedar Rapids this morning and found an un-obstructed route home.

We may yet try to get out of here early this afternoon... so we may yet see you all there!

Roger

We hope to see you!!!

DPeakMD · 06-13-2008, 02:05 PM

We had more heavy rains here on top of our already soaked ground and swollen streams. Our creek was back out of its banks, so our departure had to be delayed. The rain has now stopped and the creek's going down, so I think we'll make a run for it! There's more on the way, so this is our chance! We're making a run for it!! See everyone soon.

hotLAVA · 06-13-2008, 02:43 PM

We just had a new engine installed in our tow vehicle and mechanic isn't finished working out the "bugs."

We're coming, but we're shacking up with our SOB friends. IF anyone needs our spot, you're welcome to it.

See you tonight!
Tracy

Cottage · 06-13-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPeakMD

We had more heavy rains here on top of our already soaked ground and swollen streams. Our creek was back out of its banks, so our departure had to be delayed. The rain has now stopped and the creek's going down, so I think we'll make a run for it! There's more on the way, so this is our chance! We're making a run for it!! See everyone soon.

We all hope to see you tonight! Safe driving!