Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What can be done about big trucks travelling through downtown?"

Mary e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "Some of us are noticing the increased number of heavy trucks barreling up and down Water Street. These unmarked trucks seem to be hauling to or from an earth-moving site, others are freight-haulers, grain haulers, etc.  My question is: What's behind this traffic increase, and what can be done to curb it?  These vehicles are rather fast-moving, obviously under the opinion that noise and speed are welcomed on Water Street.  Another big concern is the effect of heavy vehicles on the condition of the street.  We love Decorah and its centrally-located successful business district, and we hope we can find resolution to this situation."

Mr. Answer Person says, "The problem is that there aren't many alternative routes for these drivers to use-—except for some residential streets. The Street Committee of the Decorah City Council has discussed requiring truck traffic to use Ice Cave Road, but that idea was quickly shot down due to the walking, running and bike traffic on that road not to mention the condition of that road.

Another idea was keeping the trucks behind the businesses downtown and having them use Heivly  street, but it's hard for big trucks to make sharp corners like the one at Water and State street and there are concerns about having big truck traffic near Decorah High school and John Cline Elementary.

Having the trucks use Main Street or Broadway would send them down residential streets.

Banning big trucks from downtown won't work because many are delivering merchandise to  local businesses like furniture and grocery stores.  

In short, when it comes to downtown truck traffic, Mr. Answer Person is reminded of what's often said about democracy: "It's the worst system there is--except when compared with everything else."