Goals of the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program include:

• modernizing 18 miles of interstate;
• accommodating planned developments along the corridors;
• reducing traffic congestion, and;
• improving the visual landscape in the area.

The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program is a top priority for the Iowa DOT. The Program strategically schedules projects to streamline and expedite the Program as a whole, while minimizing disruptions for the traveling public. Ultimately, this means the Iowa DOT will produce a better interstate system more quickly and more efficiently.

Overview video:

The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program has been active since 2008. The statistics shown here provide a snapshot of the magnitude of work completed in 2017.

The Program schedule highlights construction activities through 2024. Traffic impacts will vary depending on the construction activity.

Activities that impact traffic movement or are expected to cause significant traffic delays will be posted in advance on our website and via social media.

In 2018, several projects are expected to occur within the Program area. Check out the video to learn more.

What can you expect during the construction season?

• Noise
• Vibration
• Dust
• Large equipment and materials
• Increased truck traffic/hauling operations
• Traffic impacts
• Lane shifts
• Lane closures and overnight interstate closures

For any issues regarding construction impacts, please email us at info@CouncilBluffsInterstate.com or call us at
(712) 326-3712.

Union Pacific Railroad Bridge reconstruction began in late 2017 and will continue through 2019. Reconstruction is necessary to allow for future increased capacity on I-29. The bridge will be rebuilt from five tracks to three tracks to improve local yard operations.

During the 2018 construction season, crews will reconstruct the northern half of the bridge and then demolish the southern half in late summer/early fall. Full interstate closures for up to four days, in each direction, will be required during demolition. Only one direction will be closed at a time. Please click the image to the left to view detour routes in greater detail.

Dual, Divided Freeway construction is currently underway. Portions of this project that will be completed include reconstruction of I-80 eastbound/I-29 southbound, just east of the Missouri River to South Expressway, and includes the Indian Creek bridges in Council Bluffs.

When the full Dual, Divided Freeway is complete, it will physically separate through traffic on I-80 from local traffic on I-29 destined for Council Bluffs, creating I-80 express lanes and I-80/I-29 local lanes.

Please click the image to the left to view the traffic shift in greater detail. The video on this page describes how traffic movements will change.

Dual Divided Freeway video:

Dual, Divided Freeway Signage

Although the Dual, Divided Freeway will not be completed until 2021, you will begin seeing changes to interstate signage as phases are completed. Shown here are artist renderings of the cross sections near 24th Street and South Expressway. Exit numbering and destination designation will change on the signage, as seen in the renderings. For example, the 24th Street exit number will change to Exit 50.

The East System Interchange Phase II reconstruction is currently underway and is scheduled to be complete in 2018. The project includes reconstruction of I-80 westbound, just west of Madison Avenue to South Expressway, and includes portions of the South Expressway and Madison Avenue interchanges in Council Bluffs.

Phase III began in late 2017 and will continue through 2020. Minor I-80 eastbound traffic shifts will occur west of the Madison Avenue Interchange throughout the year.

The video on this page describes in detail the traffic shifts and construction impacts that drivers can expect this year.

East System Interchange video:

In addition to the construction projects, a signage project will be awarded this year to update mile markers on I-29. This will improve emergency and roadside assistance response. The Iowa DOT will be installing mile markers at every 1/10th mile along the I-80/I-29 corridors in Council Bluffs. Since the signing is taking place on the outside portion of the interstate, which will ultimately be Interstate 29, this means that mile markers and exit numbers will be standardized to correspond to I-29 mile markers and exit numbers.

The video on this page describes in detail the changes that businesses and drivers can expect this year.

Iowa Construction:

Four highway maintenance projects will begin this spring:

Iowa DOT Maintenance Projects

• I-29 Northbound at Avenue G – Bridge Repair
• I-29 Northbound at CP&P Railroad – Bridge Repair (I-29 northbound on-ramp at 25th Street will be closed during this project)
• I-80 Eastbound/Westbound at Franklin Avenue – Bridge Repair (I-80 eastbound on-ramp at Madison Avenue will be closed in the afternoon/evening during this project)
• I-480 & West Broadway – Pavement Patching

City of Council Bluffs West Broadway Reconstruction

Visit www.wbreconstruction.com to learn more about the West Broadway Reconstruction Project.

As the construction season ramps up, more work zones will be present in the Council Bluffs area. We are all responsible for keeping our roads safe. To protect drivers, construction workers and yourself, it is critical to use extra caution when driving through a work zone.

Every year, motorists cause 350 work zone crashes in Iowa. With nearly one work zone accident occurring every day, don't let today be YOUR day.

• Slow down.
• Stay alert.
• Obey the signs.
• Keep your distance.
• Pay attention.
• Put down the phone.
• Expect the Unexpected!

Did you know a new texting and driving law was enacted last year? Read more about it.

Want to be notified when construction could potentially impact your commute? Get customized route information and real time updates regarding construction and traffic impacts by signing up for traffic alerts.

Watch the video to view the steps for signing up for customizable traffic alerts.

Plan ahead…avoid the traffic!

Stay informed about construction and traffic impacts on projects in the Council Bluffs area.

Visit our website:

www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDot.gov

Visit the Program Office:

Mall of the Bluffs
1751 Madison Avenue, Suite 750
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Open 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Email us:

info@CouncilBluffsInterstate.com

Call us:

712-326-3712

Follow Us on Social Media: