Council Bluffs Interstate INSIGHT

What to Expect Over the Winter

December 28, 2015

Winter is officially here and the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program is ready for the season!  On top of typical maintenance over the winter, there will be several projects that will progress throughout the season before the Program gears back up again for construction in the spring.  Early this winter, fiber necessary for the Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) installations will be wrapping up. ITS helps Iowa DOT make informed decisions for traffic management to make your commute safer and more efficient.

Weather permitting, grading will take place for the West System Interchange Project, as well as for the Railroad Relocation and other projects. You will also notice cranes and other equipment moving into the East System Interchange for the next phase of construction.

Remember to drive safely this winter, especially in inclement weather. Even though it may look like there are no workers present, it is still necessary to be cautious when driving in a work zone.  Be aware of your surroundings, don’t follow another vehicle too closely, and always wear your seatbelt!

As always, Iowa 511 is available to you to check weather and road conditions. Visit www.511ia.org or download the app on your smartphone for on-the-go information. You can also tune into your radio for up-to-date information on AM 1680.

For more information, visit Iowa DOT’s Winter Travel Information page and you can also get information about building a winter car survival kit.

Project Spotlight – East System Interchange Phase I

May 8, 2015

You may have noticed the distinct lack of rubble on the East System Interchange after the summer of 2014. When the first phase of the newly rebuilt East System Interchange began,  the contractor cleared rubble and other materials from this former large industrial park. The remaining industrial businesses will stay, as well as the rail yard located just northwest of the Interchange.

The contractor, who is already ramping up to begin the fall 2015 phase, is now in the process of building up the embankment to prepare for grading and paving, as well as installing wick drains to improve drainage in the area.

Motorists and those living or working near the project area will see a lot of additional earthwork brought in…1,132,209 cubic yards!! If all of this dirt was dumped out on a football field, it would be as tall as the First National Bank Tower in Omaha - that’s a lot of dirt!

U.S. 275/ Iowa 92 Interchange Northbound Ramp Closure

April 10, 2015

The I-29 northbound on and off ramps at the U.S. 275/ Iowa 92 Interchange (Exit 47) are expected to close for approximately one year beginning on April 16, 2015. Motorists will need to follow the marked detour to the South Expressway/Iowa 192 exit/on ramp (Exit 3). Denmark Drive into Metro Crossing will also close from approximately April through September 2015; Metro Drive will remain open throughout construction.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane in each direction on U.S. 275/ Iowa 92 since June 2014 to allow for reconstruction of the new westbound bridges and adjoining pavement. In September 2015, U.S. 275/Iowa 92 traffic will move from the eastbound lanes to the newly-finished westbound lanes. I-29 may have one or two overnight closures near the interchange to remove the existing U.S. 275/ Iowa 92 eastbound bridge after the traffic shifts to westbound lanes. Detours will be posted and drivers will be notified in advance.

For more information about the U.S. 275/Iowa 92 Interchange Project, please visit the program website. 

Work Zone Awareness

March 23, 2015

Today marks the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness week. To protect other drivers, construction workers and yourself, it is critical to use extra caution when driving through a work zone. In 2014 alone, nine people in Iowa died in work zone accidents. And the majority of Iowa work zone fatalities are motorists, not construction workers.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

February 2, 2015

It’s cold outside. And with the cold come ice, snow, rain, and sleet. Winter weather impacts driving conditions on our interstate system, but it is our goal is to keep roads clear and safe after a winter storm.  And you can help! Here are tips you can use to help us keep the roads clear and traffic moving this winter:

What the Heck is 511?

January 22, 2015

Wouldn’t it be nice to know the traffic conditions before you hit the road? Iowa 511 is the right resource for you! Iowa 511 is an easy to use tool that gives you up-to-date information on road work, weather conditions, road closures, and traffic that impacts your travel on the interstate. Getting real-time information on your route to home and work allows you to make the best choice in travel options.

An important feature of Iowa 511 is the ability to sign up for “My Reports.” My Reports is a free account that will alert you via text message and/or email of incidents and delays along routes that you select and save. These routes you select can be roads you travel every day or for a road trip you have planned. Here’s how you can sign up: