Decorah staff warn Short Street intersection may close for months during Iowa DOT Highway 9 work

City staff told the Decorah City Council that Iowa DOT plans for a Highway 9 resurfacing and bridge work could close the Short Street intersection for ‘‘months, 2, 3 months probably, at a minimum.’’ The council discussed detour options, signage gaps and contingency routes for emergency vehicles.

Travis, a city staff member who briefed the council, said the DOT’s plan set calls for a full closure of the intersection when crews work on the westbound lanes and that staff’s requests for phased closures or limited windows were declined. ‘‘Long story short, we could see that intersection closed, for months, 2, 3 months probably, at a minimum,’’ he said.

Public works staff clarified the project will proceed in three phases: a bridge deck overlay, westbound lane work that will affect the Centrum Plaza/Culver’s area, and eastbound lane work affecting intersections near Pizza Hut and McDonald’s. John (staff) added that Highway 9 itself will remain open with two lanes of bidirectional traffic but access from Short Street will be restricted during the westbound paving phase.

Council members pressed staff about detour routes and who will pay for temporary signage. Travis said identifying local detours falls to the local agency and that DOT typically will not pay for those costs; staff is exploring renting or purchasing portable message boards and adding temporary signage.

Staff said they will continue to press DOT for changes at preconstruction and coordination meetings and will work with contractors to minimize the intersection closure window where possible. The council asked staff to notify nearby businesses and emergency services to coordinate access during construction.

The council did not take formal action on the DOT plan at the meeting; staff said they would continue outreach with DOT and return with updated plans or agreed construction phasing if those become available.