Some Mason City motorists not only dealt with slippery streets but had a tough time crossing the city’s newest six-million-dollar investment. It was the first test of winter for Mason City motorists this morning going over a new overpass on the city’s northwest side.
The 12th Street Northwest overpass opened in late August after two years of construction, disputes between the city and the contractor over the quality of concrete for the overpass, and a decades-long struggle with the Union Pacific on what should be done with the railroad crossing. Icy conditions forced Mason City police at times to shut down traffic after several cars were not able to complete the trip over the U-P tracks.
Many citizens had inquired before its opening about the steep slope of the overpass, but project engineers say it’s below the federal guidelines for grades and slopes.