Category Archives: Construction

Sep 06

Fast drivers create problems on I-80 in Dallas County

Interstate 80 through Dallas County has always had a notable sound as you drive on the concrete, although it’s not quite as distinctive as the freeway west of Adair. But there’s been a different kind of sound there this year, … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Fast drivers create problems on I-80 in Dallas County
Sep 05

US 30 exit at IA 21 now open

Just in time for Labor Day weekend (hey, second post in a week starting like that), the DOT has completed a big part of a long-term project. The US 30 exit at IA 21 opened last Wednesday, the DOT said … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on US 30 exit at IA 21 now open
Sep 01

Final new I-80/380 exit ramps open

Just in time for Labor Day, the Iowa DOT is opening the final new ramps for the I-80/I-380 interchange. This project is ending three months ahead of schedule, the DOT said in an e-mail Tuesday. KWWL reported it happened by … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Final new I-80/380 exit ramps open
Aug 21

Nevada interchange meeting this week

As part of the conversion of US 30 between Ames and Nevada to a full freeway, the Iowa DOT plans to build an interchange on the west side of Nevada near the airport. The exit would not be completed until … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Nevada interchange meeting this week
Aug 14

IA 906 decommissioned

July 24, 2019: This oversized US 6 shield was how the DOT initially signed US 6’s reroute onto I-80 on the east end of Council Bluffs. Straight ahead was IA 906, aka Kanesville Boulevard in the city. The Iowa Department … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on IA 906 decommissioned
Jul 21

Here comes the I-35 flyover ramp

The “Stage 3A” plan for the northeast mixmaster includes this sign on eastbound I-80. The present gantry has the BGS for the left exit on I-35 with a 45 mph limit. What has been perhaps Iowa’s most notorious left-hand interstate … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Here comes the I-35 flyover ramp
Jul 19

Boone portion of US 30 has freeway potential

The DOT had a public meeting June 23 about long-term plans to convert US 30 between Boone and the Lincoln Way exits into a full freeway. This is in keeping with plans to do the same on 30 between Ames … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Boone portion of US 30 has freeway potential
Jul 14

Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: Polk County

Final segment of the 2024-28 construction plan, approved last month: A segment of I-80 east of the northeast mixmaster to US 65, with construction in 2025-27, is mistakenly labeled as I-35 again this year. There is a separate line for … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: Polk County
Jul 12

Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: I-80

Continuing analysis of the 2024-28 five-year plan: Completion of the Council Bluffs Interstate System project is forecast to wrap up in 2024, with construction at both the I-29/I-480 interchange and the I-80 Madison Avenue exit. I-80 east of US 169 … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: I-80
Jul 10

Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan

Yes, very delayed, for reasons. The Iowa Transportation Commission approved the latest five-year road construction plan in June. Its press release covers the biggest points, but I want to look deeper into some of them, especially the bigger-dollar projects. Years … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan