Gravel Road Conditions

     The citizens of Rockford and surrounding areas have encountered quite a burden during the past few weeks with the bridge being out on main street. The bridge crosses the Shell Rock river and is located on main street. Far worse than the bridge being out, however, are the roads that are taken as a detour around the bridge. To get from one side of Rockford to the other, gravel roads are often taken by many travelers. When a great many automobiles drive on the same gravel road, pot holes, frost boils, and dust become a problem for everyone. The road conditions of the gravel roads surrounding the town of Rockford have become horrendous since the bridge has been taken out. The pot holes are many and large, especially before and after bridges, and the frost boils have made mud a problem, as well, it will pull you from one side to the other without your knowing. The rain that has come has tamed down the dust some, but when it dries up, the dust makes for dangerous traveling on the gravel roads. I believe the county road graders should grade the roads that are being traveled so much every day to keep the road from getting worse. Also, many town-folk are attempting to traverse the gravel roads for the first time...this is quite sketchy. It is almost as if these people do not realize that the road is meant for two cars to cross at one time, so both parties must get to the right side of the road. A car cannot drive down the center of the road when another is on-coming. Also, us veteran gravel road drivers do not have time to drive behind you while you take 45 minutes to drive two miles, so please be kind and get over so we can pass you. Rick Dow, who is a resident of Rockford, Iowa, who is now forced to take gravel roads, "The last time I drove on the gravel roads, they were terrible." Just a fair warning to all who are thinking about taking that gravel road, which is now more traveled than ever, beware! *Photo courtesy of Google Images