Penn Avenue in Henry County is closed between 140th St. and Highway 78 until further notice due to road damage.

The dirt road around half a mile south of Winfield has seen increased usage since construction began on Highway 78 in July. Due to rain throughout July and August, several cars have gotten stuck and deep divots have been dug in the road. Additionally, vehicles that approach or exceed the weight limit of the bridge on Penn Avenue have been using the road more often than usual, according to the Henry County Engineer’s Office.

The closure will remain in place through the end of the Highway 78 construction, at which point the county will repair the damage to Penn Avenue.

Currently, the Iowa Department of Transportation expects the Highway 78 project to be completed on September 9.