Council OKs railroad crossing rebuilds; staff warns of multi-day closures and detours

The Estherville City Council approved a contract May 18 to rebuild three remaining railroad crossings — at Main Street, Rome Street and North Park Drive — in coordination with CPKC Railroad and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Public Works staff told the council the project will include full track removal, new railroad ties, new concrete railroad panels and new concrete paving back to the roadway surface. "Main Street is going to remove the two spur tracks that are not in use anymore. So, the railroad's going to remove those fully, and it'll just be a concrete pavement where those are," staff said.

Staff described an anticipated railroad-controlled start in July, with each crossing expected to require multi-day closures for crews to remove pavement and pour concrete. The presentation described a likely minimum of roughly two weeks of closure per crossing to account for concrete cure time and striping; officials said detours will keep traffic moving on Finn and other routes, and the railroad will not necessarily allow work on two proximate crossings at the same time.

Council discussion focused on sequencing and detour planning. Staff recommended contracting with a local bidder (Purple Ding Excavating Enterprise, bid $416,164.91); the motion to approve the contract carried on roll call. Council members were told the contractor expects to mobilize and then leave town between mobilizations so cured crossings can be re-opened before the next closure.

Why it matters: The crossing work promises a smoother, safer surface at problem crossings but will temporarily disrupt traffic on Main, Rome and North Park Drive. Motorists and local businesses should expect lane or full-street closures and follow posted detours during construction.

Staff will coordinate start dates and detour signage with the railroad and report back on the final construction schedule.