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County reports motor grader struck by Union Pacific locomotive; operator disciplined, equipment usable
Summary
Kossuth County roads staff reported a March 20 collision in which a Union Pacific locomotive struck the front V-plow of a county motor grader; the operator was disciplined, the grader suffered frame/twist damage but is expected to remain usable pending insurance and adjustments.
Kossuth County roads staff reported that a motor grader was struck by a Union Pacific locomotive on March 20, damaging the grader’s V-plow and causing a visible twist in the plow frame. County staff said the locomotive sustained only minor damage according to railroad personnel at the scene.
The county disciplined the grader operator with a three-day unpaid suspension. Staff said they are coordinating with the railroad about locomotive damage and are awaiting an insurance adjuster’s inspection for the motor grader. Road staff said the machine appears usable and that alignment and repair work may be required to address the twist; they noted that if the vehicle had been travelling faster the outcome could have been worse.
The road department also told supervisors it had reminded all operators to be cautious at uncontrolled intersections and railroad crossings and reiterated safety protocols. Separately, staff reported ongoing work with FEMA for category Z administrative reimbursement for road damages related to recent storms, estimating total road damage at about $215,000; the county is preparing related documentation and has requested extensions where needed for compliance filings.
