Trail groups are studying other options for Dry Run Trail culvert under Highway 52

The Dry Run Trail would begin near the Trout Run Trail bridge over Highway 9 (decorahnews.com file photo)

The new Dry Run Trail will connect to the Prairie Farmer Trail from the area near the Trout Run Trail bridge over Highway 9.  Plans call for beginning the Dry Run Trail with a culvert under Highway 52 near its intersection with HIghway 9.

But when bids on that part of the trail project were opened earlier this year by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the bids came in higher than budgeted.

City Engineer LIndsay Erdman says the bids have now been rejected--and city and county officials are looking for ways to lower the cost of the underpass.  One possible solution would be to give contractors the option of bidding a precast culvert for the project.  "I think that's our best choice," says Erdman, who adds that other revisions to the project wouldn't save much money.

The Iowa Department of Transportation would probably rebid the project in December or January, says Erdman.