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DOT to begin Highway 9 work April 6; city to manage detour signage and business outreach
Summary
City staff told the council a DOT pre-construction meeting set an April 6 start for Highway 9 work that will shift two‑way traffic and close portions of the south side; the city is responsible for detour signage and is working with local businesses on 'local businesses open' signs.
City staff updated the Decorah City Council on Highway 9 pre‑construction plans that DOT presented in a meeting last week. Staff said the contractor will begin work April 6 with shoulder reinforcement and additional paving at lane‑shift locations, remove eastbound pavement and shift twoway traffic onto westbound lanes. The plan will close the southernmost side of the highway around the work zones and close the Short Street intersection during construction, restricting some left turns and creating detours for certain movements.
Staff warned that the packet’s note that Park Street and Bluegrass would "remain open" is operationally permissive: eastbound traffic may be allowed to turn right onto those streets but not permitted to make left turns out from side streets during closure periods, generating detours up to four miles for some trips. The city will be responsible for detour signing and has received inquiries from local businesses wanting to use "local businesses open" signage; staff asked council whether the city should allow voluntary paid participation for businesses that want additional logo placement on signage.
Staff also flagged scheduling a joint meeting with rural‑fire trustees and provided a brief legislative update: property‑tax reform proposals are active, and Senate Study Bill 3001 had advanced in committee with some city‑workable elements.
