Notwithstanding section 309.40, a county may contract for the emergency repair, restoration, or reconstruction of a highway or bridge under the county’s jurisdiction without advertising for bids if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The emergency was caused by an unforeseen event causing the failure of a highway, bridge, or other highway structure so that the highway is unserviceable, or where immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage or loss.
2. The county solicits written bids from three or more contractors engaged in the type of work needed.
3. The necessary work can be done for less than one hundred thousand dollars.
4. If possible, the county notifies the appropriate Iowa highway contractors’ associations of the proposed work.