Ask Mr. Answer Person about a turning lane on Highway 9 into Gundersen Clinic

(Max and Bernie had the same question when they recently e-mailed Mr. Answer Person.  Max asked, "Any plans to put a turning lane in to Gundersen on Highway 9? There should be a turning lane into the entrance--that is so dangerous for people to be stopping in the middle of the highway! Actually, there shouldn't even be an entrance crossing two lanes of highway, there really should be an access road through the same entrance as Walmart, for all those stores in the area."  Meanwhile, Bernie e-mailed, "Regarding the Highway 9 bridge construction project reported to be done this July--This would/could be a perfect opportunity to add a turn lane for the Gundersen Clinic entrance....especially for those traveling east and turning left into the clinic."):

Mr. Answer Person says, "When Gundersen officials went before the Decorah City Council after they had drafted plans for a clinic on the property, there was a lot of talk about having a turn lane for clinic traffic.  There was even discussion of an access road through Walmart property, as Max suggests.

Former Decorah City council member Jim Dale said there was never anything put into writing--and the traffic issue has never been addressed since then.

It won't be addressed this summer, either.  The Iowa Department of Transportation is in charge of the Highway 9 project--and it's a simple resurfacing.  There won't be any turning lane installed as part of the project.

So while Mr. Answer Person holds his breath every time he stops in the middle of Highway 9 to wait to turn into Gundersen Clinic, I'm afraid my answer is going to disappoint you--nothing is in the works to change this situation."