Ask CITYVIEW

How long after construction ends does the DOT have to remove road construction signs?

We asked Scott Nixon, District Construction Engineer at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), who said:

“Our standard specification on traffic control devices for the Iowa DOT does not give a set time frame for when devices are to be removed. The specification simply states the following: When traffic control devices are no longer needed, remove them.” 

When reached out to on this matter, several DOT employees said they don’t recall receiving complaints on road construction signs staying up for too long after construction was completed.

Where are the best public fishing spots in central Iowa?

According to www.polkcountyiowa.gov, Polk County Conservation staff stocks nearly 4,000 catfish, 50,000 walleye and largemouth bass, and 2,000 6-inch walleye that are released into our lake and park ponds annually.

Lake and park ponds are listed at Easter Lake, 2830 Easter Lake Drive; Fort Des Moines Park, 7200 S.E. Fifth St.; Jester Park, 11121 N.W. Jester Park Drive, Granger; Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville; and Yellow Banks Park, 6801 S.E. 32nd Ave., Pleasant Hill. As for the best, you will have to decide for yourself.  

Anyone older than age 16 is required to have a fishing license, per Iowa DNR. Licenses can be purchased at www.iowadnr.gov/fishing/Fishing-Licenses-Laws, where a resident fishing license is $22. The license fees are invested in conservation efforts. At that same link, the DNR provides a yearly update on fishing regulations, as well as plenty of other answers to FAQs.

What are the leash laws for dogs in Des Moines?

According to the Des Moines County Humane Society, no person shall bring any dog or other animal that is owned, sheltered and cared for by any persons into any public park, public playground, public school grounds, public parking lot, public street, or sidewalk unless the animal is on a leash or lead that is no more than twenty-five (25) feet in length.

However, this rule does not apply to dog parks around the metro area, unless specifically stated by the park. Be sure to check the dog park’s rules. ♦