Road Department

Our Mission


The mission of the County Engineer and Secondary Roads Department is to develop, construct, manage and maintain a safe and modern network of county roads and bridges, by being efficient, financially responsible and environmental stewards to the residents and visitors of Black Hawk County.
Like and follow the Road Department on Facebook and X for project updates and roadway conditions.

The Road Department's Responsibilities:

  • Surveys, designs, inspects and administers roadway and bridge construction projects within the Secondary Roads & Farm to Market systems
  • Maintains a number of resources; including section corner ties, flood maps, flood studies, field books and aerial photography
  • Inspects the Counties bridges on a regular basis to assess their condition and safety
  • Issues various permits, including, driveway, utility and moving permits
  • Acquires right-of-way
  • Develops a 5-year plan

The  Road Department's Maintenance Responsibilities:

  • Road grading
  • Replacing rock
  • Snow removal
  • Seal coating
  • Traffic signing
  • Roadside vegetation management
  • Ditch cleaning
  • Bridge and culvert construction and repairs

2025 Name a Snowplow Contest

Over 200 submissions were narrowed down to 15 finalists in the second year of the Name a Snowplow Contest. The public voted on the three winning names:

    • Truck Norris will cover a 22-mile route (name submitted by Robert Craft)
    • Plowabunga will cover a 17-mile route (name submitted by Mona Roskopf)
    • Plow Patrol will cover a 13-mile route (name submitted by Madison Gardner)

Additional Snowplow information:

Two contest winners posing with 3 Road employees
Winners of the 2025 Snowplow Contest pose for photo with BHC Road Department Staff. Pictured (L-R): Road Foreman Dale Schilling, Winner Madison Gardner, County Engineer Cathy Nicholas, Winner Robert Craft, Road Superintendent Wayne Even.
Not pictured Winner Mona Roskop.