City officials say it would cost at least $4.3 million to straighten the curve on Locust Road

A news release from Decorah City Manager Chad Bird and Decorah City Engineer Jeremy Bril say the cost of straightening the curve on Locust Road would be $4.3 million in excavation costs alone.

The issue was raised during last week's public meeting about the 2020 Locust Road Improvement Project.  Some neighbors along the road said the curve was dangerous and ought to be replaced.

The news release says about 10 feet deep and approximately 2,400 linear feet of rock would have to be removed to straighten the curve--a total of about 62,000 cubic yards of rock excavation. Information available from the Iowa Department of Transportation indicates an average price of $70/cubic yard for excavation in rock.   The release concludes, "without even considering all the other additional design, environmental and right of way costs, just the cost of excavation is expected to be in excess of $4.3 million."

The news release also lists concerns about safety with a straightened curve, saying, "Another aspect to a proposed redesign of straightening the curve is the potential increases in vehicle speed with a straighter line of travel."