(Red Oak) Montgomery County Supervisor Mike Olson asked during the secondary roads report whether the county has a law prohibiting people from damaging dirt roads. County Engineer Karen Albert says it has been discussed, but at the present time, there is no such law in Montgomery County.
Olson noted that a two-mile stretch of dirt road south of N Avenue, south of 170th, is in rough shape.
Supervisor Alex Burton stated that it could potentially be petitioned to close and reduce the road to level C.
Olson admitted the problem needs to be addressed.
Meanwhile, research shows dirt roads in Iowa are part of the official secondary road system and are maintained by the county. The county can regrade or repair damage, control how roads are altered, and charge or pursue action if someone causes damage
Even without a specific “no mudding” rule, intentionally rutting or tearing up a road would fall under damaging public infrastructure, which can be enforced through state law or county action.
