PHOTO VIA THE TAMA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Barricades have been set up on Highway 63 from just north of Toledo to just south of the Highway 96 intersection for a road construction project expected to last about six months.

TOLEDO – If you drive on U.S. 63 in Tama County between the northern city limits of Toledo and 0.25 miles south of Iowa 96, you need to be aware of a road closure that may impact your trip. Beginning this past Monday, April 20 until mid-October, weather permitting, crews will close the roadway and place an overlayment on the existing road surface. When the road is closed you will follow a marked detour route around the work zone using U.S. 30, Iowa 21, Iowa 8 and U.S. 63. Changes could be made to detour routes during the construction season. Visit 511ia.org for current detour route information before traveling through this construction zone and pay attention to detour signing and message boards while driving.

On Tuesday, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to drivers who attempt to drive around the barricades, especially where work has not started yet.

“‘Road Closed to Thru Traffic’ means the roadway is closed to anyone who does not live on that stretch of Highway 63. Local traffic still has access to their homes, but the roadway is not open for general use,” the post read. “Some drivers may go around barricades because they live on that stretch and need access. That does not apply to everyone behind them. Following another vehicle through a closure does not make it okay to be on that roadway. Traffic traveling east and west on gravel roads can still cross Highway 63. Barricades are placed at those intersections to control access. Crossing is allowed. Driving onto the closed highway is not.”

The Sheriff’s Office added that they will be monitoring the closure and enforcing it.

“Drivers who go around barricades without a legitimate reason to be on that closed stretch of roadway can expect to be cited,” they said. “This closure is in place for the safety of Iowa DOT workers, subcontractors, and the residents who live along that stretch of highway. We want them to be able to do their jobs safely without unexpected traffic in the work zone.”