County engineer outlines bridge work, road damage and safety studies; residents ask for stop control

County Engineer Mike updated the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on ongoing bridge and road work, recent damages and upcoming traffic studies at the board meeting. He described brush‑clearing and timber burning at Bridge 307, a large earthmoving operation at Bridge 126 and an upcoming RCP pipe installation that will require excavation and expected lane closures.

Mike told the board: "Right now, we're roughly estimating $30,000 in damages." He also estimated rock replacement and labor costs related to debris removal on damaged county roads and said he had photos of sites he described as "pretty gnarly." For one debris location he estimated rock needs of "10 to 12,000" (in dollars) plus labor and equipment hours.

A citizen identified in the transcript as Chris Begler asked the county to consider adding a stop control at the Canoe Ridge/River Road intersection. Mike said he would add a traffic study to the agenda and noted the intersection has uncontrolled approaches in some directions; board members agreed the item would be studied and raised with the state where appropriate.

Mike also reported a county speed‑limit analysis is about 70% complete after reviewing road cross sections with the county sign database and Beacon Topography; he said that analysis is a precursor to any speed‑limit recommendations the county will bring forward.

Separately, Mike reported a large claim related to road work (figures mentioned in the record were roughly 1,900,000) and said the county is awaiting road‑use tax fund payments and reimbursements; he estimated combined reimbursements might total about $950,000 but cautioned the final amount is uncertain.

The board directed staff to proceed with the traffic study at Canoe Ridge and River Road and to follow up with DOT contacts about safety improvements at W‑42/Highway 9.