Project Summary
The Merrill Grade Crossings Elimination Planning Study is located in the community of Merrill, Iowa, in Plymouth County.
The U.S. 75 corridor though Merrill is a key part of the transportation network through northwest Iowa. The active BNSF corridor, with up to 10 trains per day, intersects this important highway and cuts through the City of Merrill with several at-grade intersections, creating safety risks and traffic delays.
The Study will identify ways to:
- Improve highway safety and traffic flow in the Merrill area.
- Mitigate a physical barrier posed by the rail corridor in the community.
- Eliminate the risk of future highway-rail grade crossing accidents/incidents along this half-mile portion of the rail corridor through the elimination and/or improvement of three at-grade crossings.
What crossings will be examined in this study?
The following existing highway-rail grade crossings will be examined in this study:
- U.S. 75
- Main Street
- Calhoun Street
- County Road C44*
*County Road C44 is being reviewed in conjunction with the Main Street rail-crossing and may be considered for improvements, if applicable.
Public Meeting – Aug. 3, 2026
Join the Iowa DOT at an in-person public meeting to learn more about the study recommendations, discuss the project with the project team, and provide input. There will be no formal presentation.
Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location:
Kissinger Community Center Gymnasium
608 Main St.
Merrill, Iowa 51038
The meeting space is accessible for people with disabilities. If you require more support at the meeting, please contact Iowa DOT Civil Rights by Monday, July 27, at 515-239-1111 or by email at [email protected].
Online Materials
Share Your Feedback by August 17, 2026
Please review the information and provide your input on the project and recommended alternative(s).
Share Your Feedback
- Submit via the online comment form.
- Email us at [email protected]
- Leave us a voicemail at 855-925-2801 project code 1990