New traffic study of Highway 9 is being commissioned

Winneshiek County Development and Tourism is paying for a traffic study of the Highway 9 corridor between the intersection at Highway 9 and County Road W42 (the Ossian Blacktop), as well as for the intersection of Highway 9 and Oil Well Road. WCDT will pay for the study in part with a grant from the Depot Outlet and financial assistance from Decorah Jobs.

WCDT Executive Director Stephanie Fromm noted that the study will also consider potential new traffic that might result from development of businesses that have already inquired about using the Decorah Business Park. She says, "Some businesses that are considering moving into the business park have expressed concern about traffic management and safety. Not only do we want the Highway 9 corridor to be safe but we also know that studies take time and many potential businesses want any traffic flow issues worked out before they will commit to moving into the Decorah Business Park."

Bolton & Menk Inc. have been commissioned to complete the study. Senior Traffic Engineer Jennifer McCoy says, "We recognize that the access needs of this area are changing. This transportation study will examine what changes are needed to IA 9 to accommodate the Business Park traffic as it continues to develop. This information will be used to guide conversations with the Iowa Department of Transportation about the future of IA 9 in this area of Decorah."