Bluff Revision work along Highway 26 completed

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed the bluff revision work along State Highway 26 just north of Lansing. The project began August 10 (view in left photo prior to start of project), requiring a short detour along North Front Street until November 11 (finished project view in right photo). The DOT hired Skyline Construction of Decorah to cut away the rock outcroppings and brush that were too close to the west edge of the highway. John Shimek, Highway Technician Senior of the DOT District 2 office in New Hampton, said that last week, after the construction work was completed, native grasses were planted in the blacker soil further up on Mt. Hosmer and that a rural grass mix and green mulch (evident in photo at right) were sprayed on the bare dirt. A 15-foot "shelf" was created between the hill and cement barriers along the road to provide a soft landing for any rocks or debris that might roll down the hill toward the highway. Shimek said archaeological studies were undertaken prior to beginning the project to avoid disturbing Mt. Hosmer's Indian Mounds and that vibrations from blasting were also monitored to ensure that no damage would occur to nearby historic structures. Photos by B.J. Tomlinson.