Haugen Hill Road property owner volunteers to give some property to Winneshiek Count in order to correct problems with the road

(Haugen Hill Road is shown in orange)

Haugen Hill Road property owner Dale Smith calls Haugen Hill Road, "The busiest, steepest gravel road in Winneshiek County."  But, unlike some other property owners, Smith isn't just complaining--he's offering to give Winneshiek County some of his property in order to fix the problem.

He visited with county supervisors on Monday morning to discuss the issues with the roadway, which he says include an extreme slope that makes it difficult to drive ag equipment on the road; a road design that leads to capsizing ag equipment; and ditches that channel water and wash out gravel almost every time it rains.

Smith says if the roadway were moved to the south, it would reduce the slope on the hill, reduce washboarding and open up the roadway to more sunlight in winter, making it safer.  Smith told supervisors, "I own adjoining property where the road could be moved and would be willing to donate the land to make the road safer for everyone."

County Board Chair John Logsdon says the road project "Might be good bang for the buck."  Supervisors have agreed to visit the area in an upcoming road tour of the county.