One lane of Mississippi Drive between Lynn Street and Broadway Street has reopened following cleanup efforts after a hillside failure along the bluff. The City of Muscatine continues to evaluate the affected area and determine the safest approach for stabilizing the hillside and eventually restoring full access to the roadway.
Department of Public Works crews completed cleanup of the eastbound lane Monday morning and placed protective barriers along the westbound lane near the slide area. Temporary traffic signals have also been installed at Lynn Street and Broadway Street to direct alternating one-lane traffic through the affected section.
Although one lane has reopened, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. Limiting traffic through the area will help reduce delays and improve safety for drivers, nearby residents and crews working near the slide.
The city has hired a geotechnical engineer through Stanley Consultants to assess the bluff conditions and recommend a stabilization plan. The engineer initially recommended leaving the slide area undisturbed until recent rainfall events had passed.
The city is now waiting for additional information from Stanley Consultants regarding the recommended stabilization work, including its scope, feasibility and estimated cost.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work through this situation,” said Steve Snider, interim Public Works director. “Although we have been able to reopen one lane to traffic, the hillside remains under evaluation. The safety of our residents, motorists, and employees remains our highest priority as we determine the best course of action for long-term stabilization and the eventual reopening of both lanes.”
Drivers traveling through the area should obey temporary traffic signals, protective barriers and posted signage. Motorists are encouraged to continue using alternate routes to avoid congestion and help maintain a safe work environment while engineering assessments and stabilization planning continue.
The City of Muscatine will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
