Don't be a stick in the mud!

This motorist had a bad day!

Several motorists have gotten unpleasant surprises lately when they've driven onto the shoulder of Highway 9 between Decorah and Ridgeway.

The highway has been repaved, so traveling on the roadway is enjoyable.  But some vehicles that have used the shoulder have gotten stuck in the mud--and have had to call a tow truck.  There's even a report of a tow truck getting stuck when responding to a call from a motorist.

Iowa DOT New Hampton resident construction engineer Ron Loecher says his office has been getting phone calls about the situation.  He explains it was created because the road construction project called for having a 10-foot wide shoulder along Highway 9.  That's the standard width of shoulders on two-lane highways in Iowa, explains Loecher.

In some parts of Highway 9 between Decorah and Ridgeway, the shoulder had been wider, however.  So the construction project mulched and seeded those areas.  The former shoulders got soft after it rained, causing the potential hazards for motorists.

Loecher says the DOT's New Hampton office has ordered signs that say "Soft Shoulders," including specially made signs that say "Soft Shoulders Next 8 miles."  Those signs are due to arrive and be installed early next week.

The problem with the soft shoulders ought to be solved after the soil settles and the grass seed takes hold.  In the meantime, motorists are being advised to stay within the 10-foot width of the shoulders to avoid getting stuck.