The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors received an update last Tuesday from County Engineer Bret Wilkinson on the Platinum Crush road project east of Alta.
Wilkinson provided the board a report after attending a railroad diagnostic meeting with Iowa Department of Transportation and Canadian National Railway officials for Phase 3 of the project, which will redesign Iowa Highway 7’s intersections with 70th and 80th Avenues near Lake Creek.
Wilkinson says safety improvements are moving forward, including dual‑armed crossings at both intersections.
The DOT also recommended nine‑inch raised medians to discourage drivers from going around crossing arms. Wilkinson noted disagreement with meeting minutes suggesting CN prefers a 90‑degree alignment, saying the railroad representative indicated a 75‑degree approach would work.
Wilkinson says county crews have already acted on several items, including removing trees to improve sightlines, painting stop bars at 70th Avenue, and adding “Do Not Stop on Tracks” signage.
Drainage changes are also planned, with the Highway 7 culvert east of 70th Avenue to be rerouted underground and daylighted west of Villa Road.
Wilkinson acknowledged homeowner concerns about runoff from new pavement and said options like ditch checks or short‑term detention areas could help slow water during heavy rains.
Looking ahead, Wilkinson says engineering firm HNTB is working toward 30 percent design plans by March, with a public hearing expected in April. The long‑term schedule calls for 90 percent plans in 2027, with final approvals and project letting that summer.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 construction continues.
Wilkinson reported the new box culvert on 80th Avenue has been poured and will be backfilled soon.
Wilkinson cautioned that extreme flooding could still overtop the road, but said the improvements will reduce the likelihood of routine closures.
He said the road will hopefully reopen to motorists in a couple of weeks.
