The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors approved Iowa Department of Transportation draft concept statements for the redesign of two intersections on Iowa Highway 7 near Lake Creek this week.
Tuesday’s weekly board meeting turned tense as about 20 Lake Creek residents voiced frustration during an unofficial public hearing. The board meeting room at the county courthouse in Storm Lake was packed with opposition to the Iowa DOT’s preferred redesign for 70th Avenue, which would have realigned Villa Road to a 90-degree angle and removed access to St. Andrews Court.
The redesign stems from increased truck traffic tied to Platinum Crush—a $375 million soybean facility that opened nearby last May—drawing sharp criticism from Lake Creek residents who say the plant has already disrupted their community.
The board instead backed a different alternative, which preserves 70th Avenue’s current angled approach and maintains direct access to Highway 7—minimizing disruption to homes, farmland, and Natural Resources Conservation Services property. This plan is the option residents encouraged the board to approve.
At 80th Avenue, the board supported an alternative which includes full-depth paving, elevation adjustments, and a tighter railroad crossing footprint—reducing the crossing surface from 86 feet to 59 feet.
Both designs aim to improve truck access and safety near Platinum Crush, said Iowa DOT District 3 Engineer Jessica Felix.
The board of supervisors also discussed a possible countywide ordinance to limit engine breaking noise, a growing concern for nearby residents.
The Iowa DOT will now revise the plans, with a public hearing expected in April and construction slated for next year.
