Linn Co, IA (February 5, 2026) – A wrong-way traffic crash Wednesday evening on Highway 100 left both a sheriff’s deputy and another driver injured after a head-on collision near the Edgewood Road area, according to authorities.
Key Details
- Location: Hwy 100 near Edgewood Rd, Linn County, IA
- Reported: February 4, 2026 at approximately 7:40 PM
- Incident Type: Wrong-way collision with injuries
- Vehicles: Sheriff’s Office SUV and a Dodge Dakota
- Injuries: Two drivers transported with reported minor injuries
- Investigation: Iowa State Patrol
What We Know So Far
- A deputy observed a Dodge Dakota traveling west in the eastbound lanes of Highway 100.
- The deputy attempted to slow traffic using a rolling roadblock after turning in the median.
- The wrong-way vehicle struck the sheriff’s SUV head-on on the Highway 100 bridge over the Cedar River.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether impairment or other factors contributed to the wrong-way driving.
- The exact sequence of events immediately before the collision.
- If any traffic citations will be issued following the investigation.
Local Context
High-speed corridors such as Highway 100 near Edgewood Road carry steady commuter traffic and limited reaction time for drivers. In Linn County, injury crashes involving wrong-way travel often require rapid traffic management and extended investigation due to the risks posed to multiple lanes of travel.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe area if possible and avoid oncoming traffic lanes.
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from law enforcement.
- Note mile markers, bridges, or nearby exits to help document the location.
- Check traffic updates before returning to the route.
FAQ
Q: Why are wrong-way crashes especially dangerous?
A: Vehicles traveling against traffic often collide at higher combined speeds, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
Q: Why do deputies sometimes slow traffic with a rolling roadblock?
A: Rolling roadblocks are used to reduce speeds and create space when an immediate hazard, such as a wrong-way vehicle, is present.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is investigated by state patrol?
A: State investigators review evidence, scene details, and reports to document what occurred and determine contributing factors.
