PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Iowa Department of Transportation is in the process of reconstructing I-80, I-29 and I-480 in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metropolitan area. This comprehensive interstate redesign, known as the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program, will modernize the highway system and improve mobility and safety in the area. The Iowa DOT is committed to completing interstate improvements with minimal public inconvenience and keeping the traveling public informed of changes that impact travel.
The first portion of I-80 eastbound Express was opened between the West System Interchange and just east of the 24th Street Bridge in 2018.
Rigid inclusion construction took place in 2018 in the East System Interchange. Lightweight foam concrete, wick drains, and rigid inclusions have become solutions to minimize settling times and control the overall schedule.
Construction crew placing concrete inside the form for one of the bridge footings.
Work progressed on the eastbound I-80 bridges in the East System Interchange in 2018.
PROGRAM GOALS
Modernizing and improving 18 miles of interstate.
Accommodating planned developments along the corridors.
Reducing traffic congestion.
Improving the visual landscape.
2018 PROGRESS
BRIDGES
INTERCHANGES
INTERSTATE CENTERLINE MILES
(measures the total length of a road from its starting point to its end point)
HIGHWAY LANE MILES
(measures the total length and lane count of a road)
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Construction projects are prioritized based on the potential traffic management benefits, improved safety, and increased capacity to move vehicles in the urban area of the interstate system as well as the number of vehicles that are already moving through that area. The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program has identified several future projects that are necessary to satisfy the overall mission of the program.
2018 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
The I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway (DDF) is being constructed along the overlapping section of I-80 and I-29 between the West and East System interchanges as a way to improve safety and mobility for those traveling through the area. The new freeway will physically separate through traffic on I-80 from local traffic destined for Council Bluffs on I-29. This will be a change for local commuters, long-distance travelers, and freight operations. The DDF will improve safety by reducing crashes and other issues caused by merging traffic between tightly spaced interchanges.
In late 2018, the second phase of the DDF was substantially completed after nearly two years of construction. The project included three bridges and over 160,556 square yards of concrete paving. A new exit for 24th Street opened for I-80 eastbound and the I-29 southbound/I-80 eastbound Local Lanes were fully reconstructed from the Missouri River Bridge to just east of Indian Creek. Construction required coordination with the City, United States Army Corps of Engineers, businesses, residents, motorists and many other stakeholders.
At the completion, five total lanes were opened for eastbound I-80 traffic just west of the Missouri River Bridge. This adds extra lanes on the bridge linking Nebraska and Iowa to help ease congestion. I-80 eastbound now connects to I-80 Express lanes before gradually merging back into existing conditions east of the 24th Street interchange.
I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway Opening 2019
In the spring of 2019, drivers will experience more improvements when the I-80 westbound, I-29 northbound segment of the DDF opens to traffic between the East System Interchange and the West System Interchange.
In late 2019, the I-80 eastbound, I-29 southbound segment of the DDF between the 24th Street Interchange and the East System Interchange will open, allowing traffic flowing in both directions to realize the same benefits.
For more information on the I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway, please refer to this video.
Program Goals
Smart Work Zones
A key goal for the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program is to reduce traffic congestion on the interstate in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area. Adding capacity is not the only way to reduce congestion. This can also be achieved with improved traffic operations and management. Adding technology and safety like Intelligent Work Zone devices improves traffic flow. Electronic signs alert drivers of trucks entering traffic so they have time to merge and continue at highway speeds. Other devices alert the Iowa DOT of vehicle queues on interstate ramps so that signals can be adjusted to allow traffic to clear.
In the last several years I have proudly been part of the large, multi-state coordination and organization efforts of multiple jurisdictions in the metro. Law-enforcement, fire, DOT, communications, towing and many others are coming together to ensure safety, coordinate efforts, improve response and quickly clear crashes from the roadway for the benefit of all motorists.
Sgt. Marc Freeman
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office
We have come a long way since the inception of the TIM group and have continued to improve. It has really become an open forum where we truly take on tough issues with open discussion, in an effort to improve response. From trying to truly use Unified Command as it is intended, to taking on interstate signage issues, or just forecasting what future response will look like, the group has had a very productive year.
Chief Justin James
City of Council Bluffs Fire Department
Emergency Response
Crashes and other incidents impact traffic flow and can cause congestion. In the Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area, a working group that includes first responders, Iowa and Nebraska DOT personnel, tow companies, media and 911 communications work together to clear traffic incidents safely and quickly. This coordination is called Traffic Incident Management (TIM). Through a memorandum of understanding and by working together, they continue to improve inter-agency communication and have developed best practices for crash and incident response. In 2018, this group worked together to improve emergency response by designing and installing ramp signs at system interchanges to help travelers, emergency responders and 911 communications better understand where crashes have occurred in order to efficiently dispatch help to the scene. Radio communications protocols and other communications best practices were improved to allow everyone working on a scene to communicate and coordinate more efficiently.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
2018 Public Engagement
Since 2014, the program has been providing informative, timely and concise communications with stakeholders and the traveling public throughout the region. The public engagement approach capitalizes on opportunities that communicate the thoughtful planning and execution of taxpayer dollars. Program, traffic, and construction-related information is shared with the public through a variety of in-person and online platforms. In 2018, all stakeholder information was reviewed and updated, and unique stakeholder interests were identified. The program website was also reviewed and updated, all communication tools were assessed for effectiveness, and innovative techniques were identified for future use.
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
1 Meetings
40 Attendees
Program meetings were held with elected officials, local businesses, and stakeholders during 2018.
BUSINESS OUTREACH
3 Opportunities
370 Businesses
Because the Program has had multiple exit ramp impacts and traffic shifts, expanded outreach efforts notified businesses near impacted areas well in advance of change or closures.
WEBSITE
26,345 Pageviews
8,617 Visitors
ONLINE MEETINGS
1 Meeting
662 Attendees
204 New Followers
920 Total Followers
230,472 Total Impressions
93 New Followers
588 Total Followers
129,741 Total Impressions
PROGRAM STATUS
Investing in Infrastructure
The Iowa Transportation Commission and Iowa DOT recognize that the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program is a significant investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure. The Iowa DOT continues to look for opportunities to effectively and efficiently manage the successful delivery of highway improvement projects.
LONG TERM STRATEGY
Program construction started in 2008 and is expected to continue through 2024. Approximately 60% of Program construction has been completed. Projects are being grouped strategically to maximize improvements while minimizing construction impacts to Council Bluffs residents and the traveling public.
DOLLARS ALLOCATED PER FISCAL YEAR
Approved by the Transportation Commission, June 2018.
- 2018 (Awarded)
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- $150M
- $100M
- $50M
- $0M
STATUS THROUGH DECEMBER 2018
BY THE NUMBERS
The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program has been active since 2008. Statistics on this page give a snapshot of the magnitude of work completed in 2018.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
All right-of-way acquisition for Segments 1-3 is complete. Right-of-way acquisition for Segment 4 began in 2017 and must be complete before the project begins in late 2020.
Segments 1-3 Parcels
Segment 4 Parcels
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SYSTEM OPERATIONS
The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program represents a significant investment by the Iowa DOT to improve the metropolitan area’s transportation infrastructure. In addition to the new, modern interstate system, there are many other improvements being made as part of the Program.
Color Dynamic Message Sign Boards were added to improve communications with tailored messages that match highway signs and shields.
Cameras & Technology: New cameras and roadway technology allow roadway operations and the Iowa DOT to respond quickly to changing travel conditions.
LED Lighting: Adding LED lighting will improve visibility for drivers while saving energy.
Levees: New levees and levee improvements will enhance flood protection for the City of Council Bluffs.
Winter Weather Operations: Additional snowplows and drivers will be added to Iowa DOT’s fleet as additional capacity is opened to build Iowa DOT’s snow removal operations.
Highway Helper: trucks assist with crash and incident clearance, which minimizes secondary crashes, aids first responders and helps stranded motorists.
Parallel Roadway: Maintenance and crash response will be improved with the parallel roadway built into the Dual, Divided Freeway. When maintenance or traffic incidents cause either Express or Local lanes to close, traffic can quickly be re-routed.
Breaks and Barrier Gates: Emergency responders’ concerns about crash response prompted the design of breaks and barrier gates within the Dual, Divided Freeway. If a crash closes Express or Local lanes for an extended period of time, gates can be opened to clear traffic.
The Railroad Relocation: was completed in 2016 to eliminate at-grade crossings and to improve operations and safety.
Aesthetics and Landscaping: Aesthetic roadway structures improve the visual gateway into Iowa. Landscaping will include shrubs, evergreens, ornamental and shade trees in various curving forms. .
Speed limits will be increased within the Dual, Divided Freeway due to updated interstate design.