With the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) just mere days away from when the overnight stop happens in Jefferson on Monday, local residents should plan ahead.
Executive Co-Chair Matt Wetrich says with the expected 20,000 to 30,000 visitors ascending into Jefferson Monday, that will create cell phone issues.
“In general I would say to not expect great data usage on your phones on that day. Texts should go through (and) brief phone calls should be able to work. You might get cut off a few minutes into your phone call. Your landline is your number one reliable source here in town. But it’ll be a little bit sketchy with that many folks.”
He adds that Jefferson Telecom is bringing in an extra cell tower to help alleviate some of the cell service congestion, but Wetrich still recommends to keep cell communication as brief as possible that day.
Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio the no parking ordinance for trucks, RVs and trailers, along with no parking allowed on the parking portion of properties ordinance, has been lifted for Monday. However, there will be no parking on the south side of Lincoln Way and the east side of Chestnut Street, as well as the ten shuttle drop-off/pick-up locations throughout town. He points out that there will be 28 law enforcement officers, including all Jefferson officers, patrolling the town during Monday’s event. Clouse has officers coming from Fort Dodge, Gowrie and Carroll Police departments, as well as deputies and reserve deputies from Webster, Guthrie and Boone counties.
Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams says his deputies, along with Iowa State Patrol Troopers, will be doing traffic control on County Roads E-53, E-63, E-57, and 170th Street, along with Highways 25, 144 and 30. Both Jefferson and Scranton Fire departments will be helping with traffic control in each of their respective towns.
For more information about RAGBRAI plans, click the link below.