On Tuesday morning, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office issued a public‑safety reminder to drivers navigating the detour that has been in place since Highway 63 closed for repairs. Sheriff Casey Schmidt said a near‑collision on Highway E‑36 highlighted the danger of relying on GPS directions rather than posted signs.
Near‑miss prompts warning
Dash‑camera footage from a sheriff’s squad car captured a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign, nearly striking the sheriff’s patrol car in a t‑bone style impact. “Talking with the driver of that vehicle, there was some confusion on where they were going,” Schmidt told reporters. “We have had a lot of people, especially since Highway 63 has closed, dealing with the brunt of detour traffic.”
Official detour route
The county’s official detour directs traffic onto Highways 30 and 21, which run east‑west and north‑south respectively, providing a clear alternative while the main highway remains closed. However, Schmidt noted that many navigation apps suggest alternate routes that lead drivers onto unfamiliar county roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
What drivers should do
Law‑enforcement officers are patrolling the affected corridors and will pull over motorists who appear confused or are not following posted signage. “We ask everyone to stay alert, watch for signs, obey stop lights and intersections, and keep an eye out for other vehicles,” the sheriff said. “If you’re unsure, pull over safely and call the sheriff’s office for clarification.”
Community impact
Local businesses along the detour route have reported a surge in traffic, with some merchants seeing increased patronage while others express concerns about congestion. The county’s transportation department is monitoring traffic flow and will adjust signage as needed to improve safety.
Looking ahead
Officials expect Highway 63 to remain closed for several more weeks while repairs are completed. In the meantime, the sheriff’s office will continue to issue updates through local media and social‑media channels. Residents are encouraged to share any concerns about road conditions or confusing signage with the department so that adjustments can be made promptly.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
