Rock roads in the southern part of the state are in generally poor condition, according to J.D. King, President of the Iowa County Engineers Association and Page County Engineer. King tells KNIA News that winters in Iowa can be good, bad, or ugly, and this year was ugly. In some counties, they have seen more snow this year than in the past five years combined, and we have been spoiled by several good years in a row. Multiple snow and ice episodes along with a January thaw contributed to the problem. King says that Iowa’s great farming soils make for poor road construction material, and gravel is expensive. King urges those who travel rock roads to be patient, road crews are doing the best they can, and spring is just around the corner.