I was surprised not to have found any Iowa-based threads for organizing all the one-off threads into one "macro-thread" (word I made up). I have a small question that doesn't warrant its own thread, but I'm making a new thread anyway (HYPOCRITE ALERT :pan: ) for the sake of tidiness. Post all your quick inquiries/minor updates regarding Iowa in this thread. Maybe this will catch on... :confused:
I wanted to ask if there are any I-129 cutout shields standing in the wild, anywhere in the state of Iowa. I'm asking because I have a collection of Iowa highway numbers, where I photograph the signs. I need a photo of a sign for every state, US, and Interstate highway within Iowa's border...but if there aren't any I-129 signs around, how do I complete my collection? :hmmm:
For a while I didn't think there were any I-129 shields at all in Iowa, but it looks like there's one on the new BGS leading up to the interchange on I-29 (it used to spell out "I-129"). I think that's your best bet if you're sticking to signs on Iowa soil, since I-129 is omitted from the westbound pull-through reassurance sign at the interchange. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, though, since I've never been on the road.
Also, while I'm here and the thread exists now, here's some construction updates I've driven past recently:
The flyover at the I-35/US 30 interchange in Ames is well underway and looks as though it should be complete by the end of the construction season. All of the columns are in place (or extremely close), the approaches are poured, and the signage is updated and covered where necessary on I-35.
The I-74 bridge in Bettendorf is also on schedule as far as I can tell, many of the piers on the Iowa side are complete, as well as the footings for the piers in the river (I think), and grading and retaining walls on the Illinois side. This supplements the work that has been done previously on River Drive in Moline and Grant St/State St/US 67 in Bettendorf.
Finally, I was driving US 30 between Ames and Cedar Rapids and I noticed that significant tree clearing and culvert work was being done east of Tama. It looks as though they are going to extend the 4-lane section eastward another 10 or so miles. Does anyone know anything about that?
Quote from: pianocello on March 23, 2018, 05:35:05 PM
Finally, I was driving US 30 between Ames and Cedar Rapids and I noticed that significant tree clearing and culvert work was being done east of Tama. It looks as though they are going to extend the 4-lane section eastward another 10 or so miles. Does anyone know anything about that?
They're going to close the four-lane gap between Tama and US 218, starting with the stretch in Tama County. (Story (http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/iowa-dot-begins-clearing-path-for-225-million-highway-30-project-20171106))
^^ Which movement at 35/30 is getting the flyover?
I could swear I saw a picture of a stand-alone Iowa I-129 shield on this forum somewhere, but I have no idea which thread that was in or where the sign was.
Iowa DOT is floating a plan to route US30 north along I-29 to Modale, exit there and head east to Logan via county road (IIRC) F-50 and rejoining the current US30 just south of Logan Iowa.
The locals I've talked to think it's a little awkward and contrived way to do a bypass around Missouri Valley.
Would be cheaper however . . .
1. There is no macro-thread because Jason Hancock and I have our own websites. I'm not here all that often (there are only so many rabbit holes I can fall through at once). I have a blog with daily posts about Iowa-related things, but not always about highways.
2. The flyover ramp is NB 35 to WB 30, which was a loop in the cloverleaf but is the most heavily traveled movement.
3. The one standalone Iowa I-129 shield was "End 129" approaching I-29; I took a picture of it in 2014 (http://iowahighwayends.net/ends/statelines/i129.html) but GMSV in July 2015 shows it disappeared.
This article from The Des Moines Register (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/06/iowa-transportation-traffic-delays-driving-construction-highway-20/478674002/) summarizes the major Iowa road projects for 2018:
- Completing the last US 20 expressway segment between Early and Moville
- Reconstructing the I-35/1st Street interchange in Ankeny to the second DDI in Iowa
- Completion of the aforementioned flyover ramp from I-35 north to US 30 west in Ames
- Completing an interchange of IA 330, US 65, and IA 117 about halfway between Altoona and Marshalltown
- Grading two new lanes for US 30 between Tama/Toledo and a point west of IA 21 (an interchange will be built there later)
- Grading the Southwest Arterial in Dubuque
- Grading for two new lanes of US 61 between Mediapolis and Burlington (article says Wapello, but Wapello is more than 10 miles from Burlington)
- Reconstructing the I-35/IA 175 interchange
- Reconstructing US 63 north of downtown Waterloo
- The ongoing reconstruction of I-29/80 in Council Bluffs and I-29 in Sioux City, and the new I-74 bridge in the Quad Cities
Quote from: iowahighways on April 07, 2018, 02:08:22 PM
This article from The Des Moines Register (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/06/iowa-transportation-traffic-delays-driving-construction-highway-20/478674002/) summarizes the major Iowa road projects for 2018:
- Completing an interchange of IA 330, US 65, and IA 117 about halfway between Altoona and Marshalltown
I'm glad they're doing something about that one, as that is one dangerous intersection as it currently is.
US 20 is such a pleasant drive across Iowa, if one has the time to go out of their way a bit. The hell with I-80 and all its trucks.
Easy for me to say with an origin in Wisconsin, though.
Anyway, once the expressway is done, that trip will get even nicer.
Quote from: Jardine on March 24, 2018, 10:06:34 PM
Iowa DOT is floating a plan to route US30 north along I-29 to Modale, exit there and head east to Logan via county road (IIRC) F-50 and rejoining the current US30 just south of Logan Iowa.
The locals I've talked to think it's a little awkward and contrived way to do a bypass around Missouri Valley.
Would be cheaper however . . .
That's a ghetto bypass. It looks like it would be better to build a bypass beginning near US 30 and Loomis Avenue due west to I-29 at around 305th Street and following I-29 south to the current alignment where it would head west.
Quote from: bugo on April 13, 2018, 09:22:22 PM
Quote from: Jardine on March 24, 2018, 10:06:34 PM
Iowa DOT is floating a plan to route US30 north along I-29 to Modale, exit there and head east to Logan via county road (IIRC) F-50 and rejoining the current US30 just south of Logan Iowa.
The locals I've talked to think it's a little awkward and contrived way to do a bypass around Missouri Valley.
Would be cheaper however . . .
That's a ghetto bypass. It looks like it would be better to build a bypass beginning near US 30 and Loomis Avenue due west to I-29 at around 305th Street and following I-29 south to the current alignment where it would head west.
That cuts through some rather hilly terrain, though. Would just be easier if US-30 followed Canal Street from I-29 east, along the southern edge of Missouri Valley, and then on a new alignment north/northeast to its current alignment.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 13, 2018, 10:18:32 PM
That cuts through some rather hilly terrain, though. Would just be easier if US-30 followed Canal Street from I-29 east, along the southern edge of Missouri Valley, and then on a new alignment north/northeast to its current alignment.
FWIW, the Iowa DOT's linear referencing system shapefiles have this route mapped out and called IA 530, meaning there was at least at one point in time a serious proposal to build this bypass. I don't think the project is alive in the foreseeable future, though.
Quote from: pianocello on April 13, 2018, 11:28:36 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 13, 2018, 10:18:32 PM
That cuts through some rather hilly terrain, though. Would just be easier if US-30 followed Canal Street from I-29 east, along the southern edge of Missouri Valley, and then on a new alignment north/northeast to its current alignment.
FWIW, the Iowa DOT's linear referencing system shapefiles have this route mapped out and called IA 530, meaning there was at least at one point in time a serious proposal to build this bypass. I don't think the project is alive in the foreseeable future, though.
Is this hypothetical IA-530 referencing bugo's proposal or mine?
^Yours, the southern bypass. Like I said, though, this is likely just a remnant of what was once a serious proposal. It looks like there was a public meeting last month (http://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2018/02/missouri-valley-bypass-harrison-county-march-13.html) that discusses both bugo's the initially-mentioned northern bypass from Logan and your alternative for a potential bypass project that is currently unfunded.
Edited: I misattributed the routing of the northern bypass that's considered by the DOT to bugo.
I have been through there on I-29 but I know very little about the topography of the area. I was just drawing a line on the map when I suggested a northern bypass.
Quote from: pianocello on April 14, 2018, 12:37:53 PM
^Yours, the southern bypass. Like I said, though, this is likely just a remnant of what was once a serious proposal. It looks like there was a public meeting last month (http://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2018/02/missouri-valley-bypass-harrison-county-march-13.html) that discusses both bugo's and your alternatives for a potential bypass project that is currently unfunded.
Quote from: bugo on April 15, 2018, 04:37:06 PM
I have been through there on I-29 but I know very little about the topography of the area. I was just drawing a line on the map when I suggested a northern bypass.
I now realize I mistook bugo's idea (which you're right; the topography isn't very forgiving for that idea) for the northern bypass that was originally mentioned. I'm gonna fix that.
Iowa DOT will have a public meeting next week for the I-80/I-380 interchange: http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Iowa-DOT-to-hold-public-information-meeting-on-I-80I-380-interchange-project-479157803.html
Here's the link to the project site: https://www.iowadot.gov/I80-I380
The goal of the project is to make the I-80/I-380 interchange into a turbine interchange. According to this staging map (https://iowadot.gov/i80-i380/overview.pdf), construction will probably go till about 2024.
The new I-74 bridge over the Mississippi River sort of fell off my radar a few years ago, but I see it's well underway.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi74riverbridge.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fphotos%2Fi-74_arches_hi-res_2014-10-29_xl.jpg&hash=63e6ac4348a9a9a9159be3f55e6739906f62ce2e)
Seems like a pretty standard look for a modern arch bridge.
This means in a couple years, we will see the demolition of not one, but two suspension bridges. That will be very unusual and might be worth seeing.
Has there ever been a demolition of a significant (ie not a footbridge) suspension bridge before in the US?
Quote from: triplemultiplex on April 21, 2018, 09:39:53 PM
Has there ever been a demolition of a significant (ie not a footbridge) suspension bridge before in the US?
* Waldo Hancock Bridge in Maine
* US 18 Mississippi River bridges (east and west channels)
* The "twin" to the Silver Bridge?
* Think there was another one across the Ohio between Ohio and West Virginia
* Paseo Bridge in KC (I-29/I-35 over the Missouri River)
I don't believe there have been any with a span over a 1,000 feet yet.
(And before someone else suggest it, I am not counting any that collapsed and then had the debris and any parts still standing removed such as the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge)
Here are the links to some of the major projects in Iowa.
http://councilbluffsinterstate.iowadot.gov/
https://iowadot.gov/i29
https://iowadot.gov/I74corridor
https://iowadot.gov/I80-I380
http://www.iowadot.gov/us20/
The US 20 widening should be done by the end of the year and the I-29 project in Sioux City will be done in 2019. The other projects will continue into the next decade.
That I-74 bridge over the Mississippi River will be pretty cool!
As far as local projects go, IA 122 is getting rebuilt in Mason City http://www.kimt.com/content/news/Iowa-DOT-reveal-Highway-122-project-478235423.html
Quote from: triplemultiplex on April 21, 2018, 09:39:53 PM
Has there ever been a demolition of a significant (ie not a footbridge) suspension bridge before in the US?
Does the self-demolition of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge count?
Quote from: Revive755* Think there was another one across the Ohio between Ohio and West Virginia
Fort Steuben Bridge (US 22), though as with the others, a main span less than 1,000ft.
Quote from: DandyDan on April 22, 2018, 04:31:53 AM
As far as local projects go, IA 122 is getting rebuilt in Mason City http://www.kimt.com/content/news/Iowa-DOT-reveal-Highway-122-project-478235423.html
Good. Last time I drove on that through downtown I needed an alignment.
Iowa is looking at closing a decent number of rest areas. Link to study webpage. (https://iowadot.gov/restareaplan)
As far as I'm concerned, they can close all those rest areas that are essentially parking only. I don't see the point of those.
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 29, 2018, 09:24:43 PM
Iowa is looking at closing a decent number of rest areas. Link to study webpage. (https://iowadot.gov/restareaplan)
Sorry to hear that but I understand how expensive they are to maintain. Oklahoma closed the last in-state rest area on I40 east of Shawnee last year. This means the only rest areas with restrooms are at Erick on the west and Sallisaw on the east. I'm somewhat surprised the rest areas just north of Davis on I35 are still open. Only a matter of time until they too are gone.
So this happened:
http://www.kcci.com/article/uh-oh-construction-crews-must-redo-dollar23-million-project-after-big-mistake/22121540
Looks like the piers for the new flyover at the I-35/US 30 interchange in Ames will have to be redone, as it was discovered that they were not built to the right elevation, sometimes off by a few inches. It's unclear how much this delays the project, but I think as of now they're a couple weeks behind schedule.
Quote from: pianocello on July 12, 2018, 06:43:50 PM
So this happened:
http://www.kcci.com/article/uh-oh-construction-crews-must-redo-dollar23-million-project-after-big-mistake/22121540
Looks like the piers for the new flyover at the I-35/US 30 interchange in Ames will have to be redone, as it was discovered that they were not built to the right elevation, sometimes off by a few inches. It's unclear how much this delays the project, but I think as of now they're a couple weeks behind schedule.
".....Let's see......was that
measure twice and cut once or the other way around?" At $5500/day for overage -- and if the fixes are taking as long as the piece says -- the current 2 weeks behind might stretch out to several times that -- and that contractor might even end up taking a loss on the project.
Someone's head will be rolling soon enough!
Quote from: pianocello on July 12, 2018, 06:43:50 PM
So this happened:
http://www.kcci.com/article/uh-oh-construction-crews-must-redo-dollar23-million-project-after-big-mistake/22121540
Looks like the piers for the new flyover at the I-35/US 30 interchange in Ames will have to be redone, as it was discovered that they were not built to the right elevation, sometimes off by a few inches. It's unclear how much this delays the project, but I think as of now they're a couple weeks behind schedule.
Slightly off-topic but if you watch the video at the top of the article, I love the I-235 shield used as a table you can see at about 1:30.
Quote from: rte66man on June 29, 2018, 10:15:35 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 29, 2018, 09:24:43 PM
Iowa is looking at closing a decent number of rest areas. Link to study webpage. (https://iowadot.gov/restareaplan)
Sorry to hear that but I understand how expensive they are to maintain. Oklahoma closed the last in-state rest area on I40 east of Shawnee last year. This means the only rest areas with restrooms are at Erick on the west and Sallisaw on the east. I'm somewhat surprised the rest areas just north of Davis on I35 are still open. Only a matter of time until they too are gone.
That really sucks about Oklahoma rest stops as I was hoping they were going to maybe, just maybe, eventually redo the ones north of Waterloo and maybe add more along Oklahoma. Rest stops are very valuable and the general population won't have autonomous cars for at least a decade. Even then, the rest stops can be repurposed a bit and some people will always drive unless manual driving becomes illegal, you will still have the need for people to pull over. I know I am much more comfortable using rest areas and to me, more convenient, to use for restrooms and napping. If crime and vandalism are an issue, then hire a security guard. It's money well spent!
Self-driving cars might be in general use on the roads in 10 years, but the manual car isn't going anywhere any time soon. It will be at least 2050 before all cars on the road are autonomous.
Quote from: bugo on July 12, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
Self-driving cars might be in general use on the roads in 10 years, but the manual car isn't going anywhere any time soon. It will be at least 2050 before all cars on the road are autonomous.
Agreed and that's what I was really trying to get at. My predictions are very liberal and the need for rest stops isn't going away anytime soon. I know OkDOT is in budget constraints, but I wish they'd increase the amount of rest stops and bring back old ones.
Quote from: bugo on July 12, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
Self-driving cars might be in general use on the roads in 10 years, but the manual car isn't going anywhere any time soon. It will be at least 2050 before all cars on the road are autonomous.
It will probably happen much sooner if general use happens in ten years. Manual cars will first be restricted from certain busier highways, much like bicycles and horses are prohibited from freeways. Then more densely populated states and states with a safety bias will outlaw use statewide except in some circumstances. The trucking industry may also force it in some places. It would not surprise me to see non-autonomous vehicles prohibited from all interstate highways, most metro areas, and most areas east of the Mississippi by 2035. National parks, airports, and military bases will probably also ban them at that point. Eventually, keeping a manual car becomes more a hobby to most people much like having a vehicle using leaded fuel. It's not much good driving your car if you can't go anywhere with people.
This could open up new tourism opportunities. People could rent a car to drive the wide-open highways of Montana and Nevada.
Meanwhile, east of Ames along US 30, there is some hopeful news concerning the Lincoln Highway.
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/606841/Lincoln-Highway-Bridge-restoration-receives--50-000-grant.html?nav=5006
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on July 13, 2018, 01:39:57 AM
Quote from: bugo on July 12, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
Self-driving cars might be in general use on the roads in 10 years, but the manual car isn't going anywhere any time soon. It will be at least 2050 before all cars on the road are autonomous.
Agreed and that's what I was really trying to get at. My predictions are very liberal and the need for rest stops isn't going away anytime soon. I know OkDOT is in budget constraints, but I wish they'd increase the amount of rest stops and bring back old ones.
Politics will prevent that from ever happening. The businesses at each exit saw to that 50 years ago. I don't see that changing.
I went to Omaha this weekend. I noticed that, despite google maps saying that US 6 travels through Council Bluffs on Broadway it no longer does. It is signed to follow I-29 south as you come off of I-480 then onto I-80 until it goes back to its original routing at exit 8. This looks to be a recent change, I guess?
Quote from: adt1982 on July 17, 2018, 08:29:34 AM
I went to Omaha this weekend. I noticed that, despite google maps saying that US 6 travels through Council Bluffs on Broadway it no longer does. It is signed to follow I-29 south as you come off of I-480 then onto I-80 until it goes back to its original routing at exit 8. This looks to be a recent change, I guess?
Yes. Iowa's request to change the routing is on Page 6 of this pdf (http://sp.route.transportation.org/Documents/2016%20SM%20Des%20Moines%2c%20IA/USRN%20Meeting%20Minutes%20May25%2c2016.pdf). The full application (http://sp.route.transportation.org/Documents/2016%20SM%20Des%20Moines%2c%20IA/US_Routes_Binder_ALtoIA.pdf) is on page 87 of the pdf.
Quote from: adt1982 on July 17, 2018, 08:29:34 AM
I went to Omaha this weekend. I noticed that, despite google maps saying that US 6 travels through Council Bluffs on Broadway it no longer does. It is signed to follow I-29 south as you come off of I-480 then onto I-80 until it goes back to its original routing at exit 8. This looks to be a recent change, I guess?
Yeah.
Every time US 6 gets rerouted onto 80 I die a little.
hi everyone from a fellow iowan!
sorry i failed to notice that posting in multiple colors was not allowed; i will try to fix my early messages to eliminate that.
anyway, you can see my counties and highways in the links in my sig.
i have maybe a dozen iowa highways left to clinch. almost all thereof are in the corners of the state, mostly nw and sw but a few ne. the only u. s. highway segment i have left to get in the state is 52 from ia-3 to ia-150.
hope to meet up with other road geeks in the future!
Quote from: WhitePoleRD on July 29, 2018, 12:56:34 AM
Yeah.
Every time US 6 gets rerouted onto 80 I die a little.
that's so sad. will they designate the old route as historic? i hope so. (there is a part of historic 6 in polk county, ia, but i have yet to see it shown as such.)
u-6 used to run really close to my parents' house; then they rerouted it to turn north a ways west of it.
i found that there is some controversy as to whether 6 or 20 is the longest highway in the country. i m o, the part of 20 that goes through yellowstone park is uncountable because it has no highway number there. so 20 becomes a two-part road: the section from newport (101) to w. entrance, and the one from e. entrance to boston, and therefore 6 is longest.
in any event, we are blessed with four of the country's longest highways: 6, 20, 30 (including a lot of the lincoln highway), and i-80. of course we mustn't forget some of the longest n-s roads: 59, 67, and 77. finally, the diagonal 52 is in there somewhere.
enjoy the nations's roads!
Seems to me that Council Bluffs is trying in every way they can to take over every roadway that goes through their city. First IA-192 gets deleted, then this US6 stuff. This is so the city can make alterations to the construction and administration of those roadways in whatever way they see fit. I wish state DOT's wouldn't be so quick to yield to the demands of municipalities, though, because it can jeopardize the ability of a state to maintain the statewide network of highways necessary to facilitate intercity travel via car or freight truck. I would hate to see Iowa become the next Indiana.
States are probably likely to say "here, have it, it's all yours" in today's cash strapped day and age. I see it differently though; if the road is truly better suited at the city/county level rather than the state level I have no problem with states turning all of those over that they see fit.
Quote from: Naked.Driver on September 03, 2018, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: WhitePoleRD on July 29, 2018, 12:56:34 AM
Yeah.
Every time US 6 gets rerouted onto 80 I die a little.
that's so sad. will they designate the old route as historic? i hope so. (there is a part of historic 6 in polk county, ia, but i have yet to see it shown as such.)
I'd be surprised if they didn't. Not sure if it's the DOT or a private organization, but they've been pretty good lately about signing other historic segments of US 6 in Iowa.
Quote from: pianocello on September 04, 2018, 06:57:56 PM
I'd be surprised if they didn't. Not sure if it's the DOT or a private organization, but they've been pretty good lately about signing other historic segments of US 6 in Iowa.
I believe it's a private organization. They've signed in Eastern Iowa around Iowa City to Mitchellville and in Western Iowa from Adel to Oakland I believe.
A similar effort is happening along Highway 20- likely because of the four-laning across the state.
Quote from: WhitePoleRD on September 28, 2018, 01:11:10 PM
Quote from: pianocello on September 04, 2018, 06:57:56 PM
I'd be surprised if they didn't. Not sure if it's the DOT or a private organization, but they've been pretty good lately about signing other historic segments of US 6 in Iowa.
I believe it's a private organization. They've signed in Eastern Iowa around Iowa City to Mitchellville and in Western Iowa from Adel to Oakland I believe.
A similar effort is happening along Highway 20- likely because of the four-laning across the state.
How are the efforts to mark the historic Lincoln Highway routing(s) going (it roughly followed modern-day US 30 across the state)?
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on September 29, 2018, 10:17:45 AM
How are the efforts to mark the historic Lincoln Highway routing(s) going (it roughly followed modern-day US 30 across the state)?
Mike
It's one of Iowa's historic byways, which are signed by the DOT. I've driven it from Cedar Rapids to Boone over the course of last year, and there were no signing issues.
Speaking of Iowa's Historic byways, White Pole Road was recently added to the signed byway list. The road (and my avatar's origin) is 26 miles long and goes from Dexter (Exit 100 on I-80) to Adair (Exit 76). This stretch of road was part of US 6 and, more recently, most of IA 925 (until 2003). If you're familiar with the Jesse James train robbery, that happened in Stuart, which is the largest town on the road (clocking in at a whopping 1600).
When Adair-Casey began talks of whole-grade sharing, I was kind of hoping they would combine with West Central Valley (Stuart-Menlo/Dexter-Redfield) and call it White Pole CSD. But AC/GC being the Chargers is also pretty great.
Quote from: WhitePoleRD on October 01, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
If you're familiar with the Jesse James train robbery, that happened in Stuart, which is the largest town on the road (clocking in at a whopping 1600).
That was actually SW of Adair. There's a roadside rest about a mile south of I-80 on White Pole Road which mentions the Jesse James train robbery.
The widening of the last remaining 2-lane segment of US 20 has been completed according to this Des Moines Register story. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/10/15/iowa-transportation-travel-maps-construction-moorland-waterloo-traffic-dubuque-woodbury-sioux-city/1566973002/
Ribbon cutting this Friday, but the new road segment might not be open by then.
QuoteBecause of recent heavy rainfall, the last 11 miles of the U.S. 20 project – extending from Correctionville to Holstein – might not yet be open to traffic on Oct. 19, said Dakin Schultz, the DOT's transportation planner in Sioux City. Crews haven't been able to install traffic signs because of poor weather conditions, he said.
Does anyone know anything about a proposed project linking US 20 south of Dubuque with US 61? I saw it in the 2019 Rand McNally Road Atlas Iowa portion, and I assumed it was the first stretch of a future US 20 bypass of Dubuque. Can anyone clarify what this is for me?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on October 16, 2018, 04:49:50 PM
Does anyone know anything about a proposed project linking US 20 south of Dubuque with US 61? I saw it in the 2019 Rand McNally Road Atlas Iowa portion, and I assumed it was the first stretch of a future US 20 bypass of Dubuque. Can anyone clarify what this is for me?
Southwest Arterial. It's under construction now, and when completed, it looks like US 52 will be rerouted onto it (I'm pretty sure 52 will then follow US 20 west to Dyersville, where it will overtake the northernmost 10 miles of IA 136 to join its current route).
Unfortunately, as of now, there are no plans to extend it across the river, so it won't be a part of US 20 in the foreseeable future. Also, while the corridor itself will be a freeway, the interchanges with US 20 and US 61/151 will not be free-flowing.
https://www.cityofdubuque.org/1225/Southwest-Arterial-Project
New interchange at US 65, IA 330, IA 117, and County Road F17 (old IA 223) opened October 19:
https://whotv.com/2018/10/19/controversial-diamond-interchange-near-mingo-open-for-motorists/
Quote from: iowahighways on October 21, 2018, 09:55:16 PM
New interchange at US 65, IA 330, IA 117, and County Road F17 (old IA 223) opened October 19:
https://whotv.com/2018/10/19/controversial-diamond-interchange-near-mingo-open-for-motorists/
Here's 56 pictures I took of it yesterday morning when I went to check it out: https://imgur.com/a/hinf7WB
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 27, 2018, 03:28:48 AM
Quote from: iowahighways on October 21, 2018, 09:55:16 PM
New interchange at US 65, IA 330, IA 117, and County Road F17 (old IA 223) opened October 19:
https://whotv.com/2018/10/19/controversial-diamond-interchange-near-mingo-open-for-motorists/
Here's 56 pictures I took of it yesterday morning when I went to check it out: https://imgur.com/a/hinf7WB
Has IADOT stopped drawing those thin black outlines around route markers on their BGSes?
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on October 27, 2018, 10:43:21 AM
Has IADOT stopped drawing those thin black outlines around route markers on their BGSes?
Yes. Quite some time ago, actually. The only signs that have them anymore are old.
Found this the other day on Iowa 44, about nine miles west of Guthrie Center. Are there any other signs like this in the state?
(https://i.imgur.com/NQh14zK.jpg)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 26, 2018, 04:12:08 PM
Found this the other day on Iowa 44, about nine miles west of Guthrie Center. Are there any other signs like this in the state?
Yes: this one in a roadside park along US 30 west of Carroll.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5066/5699534969_e583dab7a1_z.jpg)
A question for Iowa posters: Is the old CB&Q steam locomotive (4-6-4 #3007) still on display along US 71 near the I-80 interchange? The last time I saw it (about 20 years ago) it was getting a little decrepit, which is too bad -- apparently it was the last of its type to avoid the scrap heap!
Iowa Highway 100 has now fully opened around the west side of Cedar Rapids. It's now possible to drive on 4-lane roads all around the city.
Makes for a nice shortcut from Marion and US 30 west, and I imagine there will be future expansion of commercial and/or residential developments in the areas of the interchanges, both at 16th Ave SW and E Ave NW.
(Link to article) (https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Highway-100-bypass-opening-means-more-development-soon-502627641.html)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 26, 2018, 04:12:08 PM
Found this the other day on Iowa 44, about nine miles west of Guthrie Center. Are there any other signs like this in the state?
(https://i.imgur.com/NQh14zK.jpg)
That was my first teaching gig!
No official signs, but Lorimor (south of Winterset) prides itself for being right on the divide.
It looks like they're putting up new flyover ramps at the I-80 and I-380 interchange! The EB-to-NB one is making good progress. I find it odd that they chose that "left turn" as the place to put a flyover though? I thought a SB-to-WB flyover would be the most useful, of the four potential "left turns."
Quote from: paulthemapguy on September 18, 2019, 12:31:48 PM
It looks like they're putting up new flyover ramps at the I-80 and I-380 interchange! The EB-to-NB one is making good progress. I find it odd that they chose that "left turn" as the place to put a flyover though? I thought a SB-to-WB flyover would be the most useful, of the four potential "left turns."
They're planning to put flyovers in all 4 "left-turning" movements, which IMO is overkill. I agree that SB-EB (what you undoubtedly meant) is the most urgent, but I'd guess that EB-NB is right up there in terms of need. Far as I'm concerned, they can keep the two ramps to/from US 218 as loops.
In other news, I heard the much-anticipated and long-delayed flyover at the I-35 and US 30 interchange in Ames is finally open. After delays of nearly a year, they were able to get it done in time for the Iowa-ISU football game this past weekend. https://www.kcci.com/article/get-first-look-at-drive-over-ames-flyover-bridge/29002685#
Speaking of the Interstate 80/380 interchange, I just saw on Google Maps that the US 218 northbound ramps to 80 E and 80 W have no exit numbers (such as 96A and 96B, or even 0A/B). The exit tabs just say "Exit". Does anyone know why that is?
https://www.saukvalley.com/2017/03/11/u-s-route-30-expansion-plans-near-morrison-halted/a32ll91/
https://qctimes.com/news/local/learn-about-iowa-s-u-s-highway-study-at-meeting/article_d36cc9f8-f3a7-5e49-8829-d9d38fb4c12c.html
Included the Illinois story because it will have an effect on Iowas decision.
Quote from: 3467 on September 30, 2019, 03:22:42 PM
https://www.saukvalley.com/2017/03/11/u-s-route-30-expansion-plans-near-morrison-halted/a32ll91/
https://qctimes.com/news/local/learn-about-iowa-s-u-s-highway-study-at-meeting/article_d36cc9f8-f3a7-5e49-8829-d9d38fb4c12c.html
Included the Illinois story because it will have an effect on Iowas decision.
The Iowa DOT is recommending having upgrading US 30 to a "super 2" east of Lisbon by having climbing lanes between cities and center turn lanes through cities. Link: Iowa DOT project study page
(http://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2019/08/us-30-planning-study-cedar-clinton-county-september-19.html)
Apparently Clinton County isn't too happy about the idea: Clinton Herald story (https://www.clintonherald.com/news/local_news/supervisors-dot-abandoned-clinton-county/article_f63fad76-e07a-11e9-9fa9-fb4e873494f6.html)
I think Illinois clinched this. Clinton was upset about that too. The Illinois DOT had opposition to the bypass from Morrison. The locals wanted 3 lanes through Morrison and some other passing lanes. Stunningly Illinois DOT agreed. My comments to Iowa encouraged them to keep on our IDOT to keep its promise.
We were just at the 380 80 218 27 ramps. I am not sure what is on the exit sign but the roads have mileage infractions now. It may have to Do with construction.
Quote from: 3467 on September 30, 2019, 11:12:39 PM
the roads have mileage infractions now.
Damn roads. I hate it when they can't follow the rules.
My autocorrect is merging words for me now. The mileage markers are new and they show fractions of miles.. On 218 they showed up about the time reconstruction began on the interchange.
Has Iowa finally ditched the wooden posts they use for signage?
Quote from: M86 on October 02, 2019, 12:43:03 AM
Has Iowa finally ditched the wooden posts they use for signage?
Many of the new signs at the US-65/IA-117/330 interchange use wooden posts, so I'm going to guess not.
Quote from: M86 on October 02, 2019, 12:43:03 AM
Has Iowa finally ditched the wooden posts they use for signage?
Were they planning to?
Per a semi-recent public meeting, a study is underway which could result in removal of the two interchanges on US 34 in Ottumwa west of the river. https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2019/08/us-34-wapello-county-august-27.html/ (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2019/08/us-34-wapello-county-august-27.html/)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 02, 2019, 07:16:07 AM
Quote from: M86 on October 02, 2019, 12:43:03 AM
Has Iowa finally ditched the wooden posts they use for signage?
Many of the new signs at the US-65/IA-117/330 interchange use wooden posts, so I'm going to guess not.
Wood sign posts are still S.O.P. here in Wisconsin, too.
Mike
The US 30 bypass of Mount Vernon and Lisbon opened last Friday: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/highway-30-bypass-lisbon-mount-vernon-20191122
Also, the SPUI between IA 27/58 and Viking Road in Cedar Falls opened November 10: https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/highway-viking-interchange-open-today/article_89be142e-97c3-501a-b1cf-8e2d91edaaff.html. This takes one intersection out of the Avenue of the Saints.
The Iowa City area has a new freeway exit on I-380. Exit 2, Forevergreen Road, opened a few months ago in advance of some detours that IDOT will need to do for I-80/I-380 interchange construction.
The interchange is a typical diamond; the lands surrounding the interchange are likely to develop in the next few years.
Early winter weather forces Iowa DOT to halt work on Highway 52 project in Dubuque CountyQuoteA road project in Dubuque County has come to a screeching halt due to the recent cold weather and snowfall.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is on its first of four phases of improving Highway 52 between Sageville and Luxemburg. This summer, it constructed a roundabout at the intersection of Holy Cross Road and Highway 52 and began to pave the highway from that intersection to Rickardsville. However, crews weren't able to finish paving on 52 before the ground froze.
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Early-winter-weather-forces-Iowa-DOT-to-halt-work-on-Highway-52-project-565005042.html
Are there many roundabouts in Iowa?
Quote from: PastTense on December 10, 2019, 11:44:30 PM
Are there many roundabouts in Iowa?
Johnston has a bunch of them.
This five-mile driving route (https://goo.gl/maps/qVMgaNXBsWHcjjH69) from Walgreens to Menards will take you through no fewer than nine roundabouts.
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 11:09:57 AM
This five-mile driving route (https://goo.gl/maps/qVMgaNXBsWHcjjH69) from Walgreens to Menards will take you through no fewer than nine roundabouts.
And considering the number of multi-lane roundabouts present on said trip, I'm sure it would induce heart attacks in a handful of forum members. ;-)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 11:46:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 11:09:57 AM
This five-mile driving route (https://goo.gl/maps/qVMgaNXBsWHcjjH69) from Walgreens to Menards will take you through no fewer than nine roundabouts.
And considering the number of multi-lane roundabouts present on said trip, I'm sure it would induce heart attacks in a handful of forum members. ;-)
Oh, believe me, I think of this forum whenever I'm there. However, none of them is a true 2x2 roundabout, as the side street always gets one circulating lane. The closest you get along that route is the one at 100th St & 70th Ave, where three of the four quadrants has two circulating lanes.
Breaking 74 Bridge construction halted. Worked tested positive for Covid. KWQC TV
Quote from: PastTense on December 10, 2019, 11:44:30 PM
Early winter weather forces Iowa DOT to halt work on Highway 52 project in Dubuque County
QuoteA road project in Dubuque County has come to a screeching halt due to the recent cold weather and snowfall.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is on its first of four phases of improving Highway 52 between Sageville and Luxemburg. This summer, it constructed a roundabout at the intersection of Holy Cross Road and Highway 52 and began to pave the highway from that intersection to Rickardsville. However, crews weren't able to finish paving on 52 before the ground froze.
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Early-winter-weather-forces-Iowa-DOT-to-halt-work-on-Highway-52-project-565005042.html
Are there many roundabouts in Iowa?
Cedar Falls has a number of them on University Avenue, which used to be US 218 before the current freeway north out of Waterloo was built.
The only one I am aware of on the Iowa highway system is the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 187 south of Arlington, next to Starmont High School.
The keystone for one of the two I-74 bridges was put in place earlier this month.
Have any of y'all Iowa roadgeeks seen the monstrous art installation on 24th St at 29/80 in Council Bluffs? It's four weird sculptures (https://www.google.com/maps/place/S+24th+ST+Bridge+Art+Installation/@41.233154,-95.8825878,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8793859517347411:0xaa7188b4ba7a2115!8m2!3d41.2328654!4d-95.8794746/) with pointy metal scraps. Some reviewers on Google seem to be less than pleased with it, likening it to something out of Mad Max or Edward Scissorhands. It's also compared to the Transformers villains and plane crash rubble.
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 02:26:17 PM
Have any of y'all Iowa roadgeeks seen the monstrous art installation on 24th St at 29/80 in Council Bluffs? It's four weird sculptures (https://www.google.com/maps/place/S+24th+ST+Bridge+Art+Installation/@41.233154,-95.8825878,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8793859517347411:0xaa7188b4ba7a2115!8m2!3d41.2328654!4d-95.8794746/) with pointy metal scraps. Some reviewers on Google seem to be less than pleased with it, likening it to something out of Mad Max or Edward Scissorhands. It's also compared to the Transformers villains and plane crash rubble.
OMG. I just Googled this. I normally like most public art, even when it's dumb and kitschy like Cadillac Ranch (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cadillac-ranch) or this clever bus bench (https://frees-kluth.com/mediac/400_0/media/SiblingRivalry2.jpg) on Snelling Ave on the Mpls/STP border. Art like this turns people against the government paying for art projects. The only way this art is a success is if the competition was for something that is just plain butt-ugly.
Link for those who haven't seen this atrocity yet. (http://www.publicartandpractice.com/projects_24thstbridge.html)
Quote from: skluth on July 10, 2020, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 02:26:17 PM
Have any of y'all Iowa roadgeeks seen the monstrous art installation on 24th St at 29/80 in Council Bluffs? It's four weird sculptures (https://www.google.com/maps/place/S+24th+ST+Bridge+Art+Installation/@41.233154,-95.8825878,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8793859517347411:0xaa7188b4ba7a2115!8m2!3d41.2328654!4d-95.8794746/) with pointy metal scraps. Some reviewers on Google seem to be less than pleased with it, likening it to something out of Mad Max or Edward Scissorhands. It's also compared to the Transformers villains and plane crash rubble.
OMG. I just Googled this. I normally like most public art, even when it's dumb and kitschy like Cadillac Ranch (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cadillac-ranch) or this clever bus bench (https://frees-kluth.com/mediac/400_0/media/SiblingRivalry2.jpg) on Snelling Ave on the Mpls/STP border. Art like this turns people against the government paying for art projects. The only way this art is a success is if the competition was for something that is just plain butt-ugly.
Link for those who haven't seen this atrocity yet. (http://www.publicartandpractice.com/projects_24thstbridge.html)
A local Omaha news station getting locals' opinions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkvtcgAqVQ8
Personally, I think it's just bizarre. It's kinda like the red-eyed demonic blue horse (Blucifer) at Denver Airport, except Blucifer actually is shaped like something.
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 02:26:17 PM
Have any of y'all Iowa roadgeeks seen the monstrous art installation on 24th St at 29/80 in Council Bluffs? It's four weird sculptures (https://www.google.com/maps/place/S+24th+ST+Bridge+Art+Installation/@41.233154,-95.8825878,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8793859517347411:0xaa7188b4ba7a2115!8m2!3d41.2328654!4d-95.8794746/) with pointy metal scraps. Some reviewers on Google seem to be less than pleased with it, likening it to something out of Mad Max or Edward Scissorhands. It's also compared to the Transformers villains and plane crash rubble.
That's Council Bluffs for you. They have a magical ability to turn anything tacky there. There's a reason Omaha people like to call it Counciltucky.
They also made some terrible public art out of the Broadway (old US 6) bridge over the UP railroad tracks.
I thought it was rather badass. It looks like a pile of guns and ammo belts; the locals should love it!
According to e-mails sent out yesterday and today, the opening of the eastbound I-80 to northbound I-380 flyover ramp, knocking out the biggest trouble spot of the original cloverleaf, will take place next week.
The new EB 80 to SB 218 ramp opened a little while ago, basically just getting it out of the way. Next week's work will close another loop in the cloverleaf, too: NB 218 to WB 80 (under the flyover) will have to go up to Forevergreen Road and turn around.
Quote from: Highway63 on December 17, 2020, 01:27:03 PM
According to e-mails sent out yesterday and today, the opening of the eastbound I-80 to northbound I-380 flyover ramp, knocking out the biggest trouble spot of the original cloverleaf, will take place next week.
The new EB 80 to SB 218 ramp opened a little while ago, basically just getting it out of the way. Next week's work will close another loop in the cloverleaf, too: NB 218 to WB 80 (under the flyover) will have to go up to Forevergreen Road and turn around.
Question: is that a permanent situation, or is a NB 218>WB 80 flyover in the works?
Quote from: sparker on December 21, 2020, 10:59:26 PM
Quote from: Highway63 on December 17, 2020, 01:27:03 PM
According to e-mails sent out yesterday and today, the opening of the eastbound I-80 to northbound I-380 flyover ramp, knocking out the biggest trouble spot of the original cloverleaf, will take place next week.
The new EB 80 to SB 218 ramp opened a little while ago, basically just getting it out of the way. Next week's work will close another loop in the cloverleaf, too: NB 218 to WB 80 (under the flyover) will have to go up to Forevergreen Road and turn around.
Question: is that a permanent situation, or is a NB 218>WB 80 flyover in the works?
It's temporary. When all is said and done, there will be a full turbine interchange there.
I see an adjacent quarry. Can't get any better than that for saving on freight.
Multiple articles online indicating the speed cameras on I-80 at the Iowa end of the Mississippi River Bridge will start issuing tickets March 4.
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/ (https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/)
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 17, 2021, 01:15:06 PM
Multiple articles online indicating the speed cameras on I-80 at the Iowa end of the Mississippi River Bridge will start issuing tickets March 4.
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/ (https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/)
Revenuers gotta revenue.
Quote from: zzcarp on January 17, 2021, 02:27:26 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 17, 2021, 01:15:06 PM
Multiple articles online indicating the speed cameras on I-80 at the Iowa end of the Mississippi River Bridge will start issuing tickets March 4.
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/ (https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/)
Revenuers gotta revenue.
But it's all about safety. After all, there have been "more than 300 crashes in the area over the past decade." Let's put up this
money-making device safety device over 30 crashes a year.
Quote from: FrCorySticha on January 17, 2021, 06:25:43 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on January 17, 2021, 02:27:26 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 17, 2021, 01:15:06 PM
Multiple articles online indicating the speed cameras on I-80 at the Iowa end of the Mississippi River Bridge will start issuing tickets March 4.
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/ (https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/)
Revenuers gotta revenue.
But it's all about safety. After all, there have been "more than 300 crashes in the area over the past decade." Let's put up this money-making device safety device over 30 crashes a year.
Certainly been seeing this crap going up all over the state - including on I-380 in
CRapids.
Bumping this thread to note that the new four-lane segment of US 30 in Tama County opened today: https://www.tamatoledonews.com/news/local-news/2021/06/03/highway-30-expansion-opens-in-tama-county/
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 17, 2021, 01:15:06 PM
Multiple articles online indicating the speed cameras on I-80 at the Iowa end of the Mississippi River Bridge will start issuing tickets March 4.
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/ (https://www.kwqc.com/2021/01/06/new-speed-cameras-go-live-in-leclaire/)
Oh, frickety frack. I may have gotten dinged by this last week when I was passing by. I might be okay if there's a 12 mph leeway, but maybe not. I do remember i was trying to get around someone, so maybe i was going faster than i otherwise would. Frickety frack.
It's okay to say fuck.
Wonder if they will do it on 280.
I found a new 2021-22 map at a rest area last week.It did not have the new US 30 construction .
Quote from: triplemultiplex on June 14, 2021, 04:55:59 PM
It's okay to say fuck.
Not according to Freeway Jim lol. I got roasted in that group for daring to use the word shit. No warning and post was deleted with zero reason why until I asked publicly and I was told no profanity. I dared to question the logic and was met with the classic "start your own group." The amount of good ol boys who wouldn't dare kiss their momma with my mouth was hilarious. Needless to say I opted to leave that group though I do miss it.
Regarding the speed cameras, I hope Iowa follows other states like Arizona and bans automated traffic enforcement. If the 85 percentile is higher than the speed limit then raise the limit; otherwise if drivers are being crazy increase visible patrols.
Leaving a group you found valuable just because you couldn't keep it clean. Interesting priorities.
Quote from: Rothman on June 14, 2021, 06:54:49 PM
Leaving a group you found valuable just because you couldn't keep it clean. Interesting priorities.
It's called principle. The way it was handled was what bothered me. I would have been more than happy to keep it clean but my perceived value of the group didn't outweighed my frustrations over the issue so fuck it. Plenty of other groups like this forum right here.
Quote from: 3467 on June 14, 2021, 05:18:20 PM
Wonder if they will do it on 280.
One of the online news articles regarding the once-again failed attempt to ban or at least severely limit speed cameras in Iowa this year indicated Davenport was not in favor of having them on interstates (not that this means Davenport won't change their mind).
At least for me, the increasing number of speed cameras does not encourage trips to Iowa. Particularly when smaller towns like Le Claire and Prairie City (which supposedly now has one on IA 163) are installing them on main roads that bypass them.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on June 14, 2021, 06:58:29 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 14, 2021, 06:54:49 PM
Leaving a group you found valuable just because you couldn't keep it clean. Interesting priorities.
It's called principle. The way it was handled was what bothered me. I would have been more than happy to keep it clean but my perceived value of the group didn't outweighed my frustrations over the issue so fuck it. Plenty of other groups like this forum right here.
Jim being a douche to people was ultimately why I curtailed my involvement/left that group as well.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 15, 2021, 09:51:34 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on June 14, 2021, 06:58:29 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 14, 2021, 06:54:49 PM
Leaving a group you found valuable just because you couldn't keep it clean. Interesting priorities.
It's called principle. The way it was handled was what bothered me. I would have been more than happy to keep it clean but my perceived value of the group didn't outweighed my frustrations over the issue so fuck it. Plenty of other groups like this forum right here.
Jim being a douche to people was ultimately why I curtailed my involvement/left that group as well.
The weird thing was we talked back and forth several times over PM and he I didn't have an issue up with him until that point. After that he treated me like someone who just thought he could run the group, acted like we've never spoke, and that I've been some loud mouth, vulgar poster. Fact is, I posted dozens if not over 50 times and that was the first time I used profanity.
But yeah I've seen a couple other instances of Jim interacting with people there and thought yikes.
(Completely unrelated to what was previously going on in this thread)
I was in Dubuque this weekend while visiting college and noticed that all the IA-32 signs are gone from the NW Arterial. Does anyone know what happened? Did they remove the designation from the road?
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 25, 2021, 10:53:08 AM
(Completely unrelated to what was previously going on in this thread)
I was in Dubuque this weekend while visiting college and noticed that all the IA-32 signs are gone from the NW Arterial. Does anyone know what happened? Did they remove the designation from the road?
Yes, the designation was removed. It is detailed via a link from the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Highway_32#cite_note-4).
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 25, 2021, 11:25:00 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 25, 2021, 10:53:08 AM
(Completely unrelated to what was previously going on in this thread)
I was in Dubuque this weekend while visiting college and noticed that all the IA-32 signs are gone from the NW Arterial. Does anyone know what happened? Did they remove the designation from the road?
Yes, the designation was removed. It is detailed via a link from the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Highway_32#cite_note-4).
Thanks for sharing that. I feel like that was a poor decision to transfer it over. That road is one of the very few major roads in the area and to transfer it to local control does not seem to make sense to me. Is Iowa that strapped for cash?
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 25, 2021, 02:38:35 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 25, 2021, 11:25:00 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 25, 2021, 10:53:08 AM
(Completely unrelated to what was previously going on in this thread)
I was in Dubuque this weekend while visiting college and noticed that all the IA-32 signs are gone from the NW Arterial. Does anyone know what happened? Did they remove the designation from the road?
Yes, the designation was removed. It is detailed via a link from the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Highway_32#cite_note-4).
Thanks for sharing that. I feel like that was a poor decision to transfer it over. That road is one of the very few major roads in the area and to transfer it to local control does not seem to make sense to me. Is Iowa that strapped for cash?
Since US 52 has been realigned over US 20 to take advantage of the SW bypass, does IA 3 remain signed all the way through Dubuque or has it been relinquished within city limits? If the former, that would make the deletion of IA 32 a less than obvious move, since it would make shunting IA 3 traffic down to US 20 (business?) to avoid downtown somewhat more straightforward.
Quote from: sparker on July 25, 2021, 03:30:08 PM
Since US 52 has been realigned over US 20 to take advantage of the SW bypass, does IA 3 remain signed all the way through Dubuque or has it been relinquished within city limits? If the former, that would make the deletion of IA 32 a less than obvious move, since it would make shunting IA 3 traffic down to US 20 (business?) to avoid downtown somewhat more straightforward.
I didn't go downtown on this most recent trip, but what I can say is that IA-3 was removed from all BGS signage on US-20 and US-151. From what I remember from earlier this year though, IA-3 is gone from Dubuque.
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 07:22:01 AM
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
So IA-3 just ends at... nothing then. I really wish these state DOTs (looking at Indiana in particular) would implement policies to keep designations even if the city has to maintain the road. If it makes sense to be part of a cohesive route, then it should remain a part of the cohesive route.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 26, 2021, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 07:22:01 AM
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
So IA-3 just ends at... nothing then. I really wish these state DOTs (looking at Indiana in particular) would implement policies to keep designations even if the city has to maintain the road. If it makes sense to be part of a cohesive route, then it should remain a part of the cohesive route.
So it's pretty safe to assume that IA doesn't have a through-city continuity program (like commonly found in New England) that assures route signage despite local facility ownership? That's functionally no better than out here in CA, where signage post-route relinquishment is more or less left to chance -- whether the local jurisdiction maintains signage (although technically/legally supposed to do so) is hit-or-miss; since Caltrans tends not to do enforcement, never mind a relatively strict variation of that! So routes are left hanging in a similar fashion to what's occurring in Dubuque! Sign (or lack thereof) of the time, I suppose.
Quote from: sparker on July 26, 2021, 01:46:10 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 26, 2021, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 07:22:01 AM
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
So IA-3 just ends at... nothing then. I really wish these state DOTs (looking at Indiana in particular) would implement policies to keep designations even if the city has to maintain the road. If it makes sense to be part of a cohesive route, then it should remain a part of the cohesive route.
So it's pretty safe to assume that IA doesn't have a through-city continuity program (like commonly found in New England) that assures route signage despite local facility ownership? That's functionally no better than out here in CA, where signage post-route relinquishment is more or less left to chance -- whether the local jurisdiction maintains signage (although technically/legally supposed to do so) is hit-or-miss; since Caltrans tends not to do enforcement, never mind a relatively strict variation of that! So routes are left hanging in a similar fashion to what's occurring in Dubuque! Sign (or lack thereof) of the time, I suppose.
Untrue. There are still cities that have routes going through it. Iowa has a completely different policy from Indiana. See US 6. It's slowly being shifted onto I-80 (rural and urban)
Here's a progress update on the I-74 bridge project in the Quad Cities as of July 2021.
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 06:50:05 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 26, 2021, 01:46:10 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 26, 2021, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 07:22:01 AM
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
So IA-3 just ends at... nothing then. I really wish these state DOTs (looking at Indiana in particular) would implement policies to keep designations even if the city has to maintain the road. If it makes sense to be part of a cohesive route, then it should remain a part of the cohesive route.
So it's pretty safe to assume that IA doesn't have a through-city continuity program (like commonly found in New England) that assures route signage despite local facility ownership? That's functionally no better than out here in CA, where signage post-route relinquishment is more or less left to chance -- whether the local jurisdiction maintains signage (although technically/legally supposed to do so) is hit-or-miss; since Caltrans tends not to do enforcement, never mind a relatively strict variation of that! So routes are left hanging in a similar fashion to what's occurring in Dubuque! Sign (or lack thereof) of the time, I suppose.
Untrue. There are still cities that have routes going through it. Iowa has a completely different policy from Indiana. See US 6. It's slowly being shifted onto I-80 (rural and urban)
So it's becoming a useless concurrency then. Okay.
As for IA-3 and IA-32 in Dubuque, those routes have had their markers scrubbed. Like I said, the only reason I asked my post was because I couldn't find any for IA-32 on my most recent trip. I saw them still up as recently as February? Or March? Something...
And yes, Iowa's policies =/= Indiana's policies. But this feels a lot like something InDOT would do.
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 06:50:05 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 26, 2021, 01:46:10 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 26, 2021, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 26, 2021, 07:22:01 AM
Correct.
IA 3's east terminus was moved to NW Arterial/W John Deere Road.
This is a by-product of IowaDOT's policy regarding give-and-take. Dubuque built the southwest arterial and handed it over to the state. In return, the state handed the northwest arterial to Dubuque (effectively removing IA-32) and after rerouting 52 to the new road, the portion of IA-3 in the city (removing that designation from that segment).
So IA-3 just ends at... nothing then. I really wish these state DOTs (looking at Indiana in particular) would implement policies to keep designations even if the city has to maintain the road. If it makes sense to be part of a cohesive route, then it should remain a part of the cohesive route.
So it's pretty safe to assume that IA doesn't have a through-city continuity program (like commonly found in New England) that assures route signage despite local facility ownership? That's functionally no better than out here in CA, where signage post-route relinquishment is more or less left to chance -- whether the local jurisdiction maintains signage (although technically/legally supposed to do so) is hit-or-miss; since Caltrans tends not to do enforcement, never mind a relatively strict variation of that! So routes are left hanging in a similar fashion to what's occurring in Dubuque! Sign (or lack thereof) of the time, I suppose.
Untrue. There are still cities that have routes going through it. Iowa has a completely different policy from Indiana. See US 6. It's slowly being shifted onto I-80 (rural and urban)
Question: are the routes through other IA cities under state ownership/maintenance or owned by the city itself? If the former, then any policies regarding relinquished routes are moot; if the latter, it indicates that the cities can elect to sign routes as they see fit -- but most choose to maintain continuity -- especially if it means more road-related revenue. Dubuque is probably simply attempting to discourage through traffic on the former US 52/IA 3 routing.
Quote from: sparker on July 27, 2021, 03:51:08 AM
Question: are the routes through other IA cities under state ownership/maintenance or owned by the city itself? If the former, then any policies regarding relinquished routes are moot; if the latter, it indicates that the cities can elect to sign routes as they see fit -- but most choose to maintain continuity -- especially if it means more road-related revenue. Dubuque is probably simply attempting to discourage through traffic on the former US 52/IA 3 routing.
They’re owned by the state. As another example, the city of Council Bluffs wanted to reconstruct West Broadway between I-29 and downtown, but the state owned it as part of US 6, so the road was transferred to the city and US 6 rerouted.
Business routes, on the other hand, don’t have to be state-maintained.
KITV: Ramp from westbound U.S. 20 to northbound I-29 in Sioux City to close Monday (https://www.ktiv.com/2022/07/06/ramp-westbound-us-20-northbound-i-29-sioux-city-close-monday/) (surprised that this thread has not had an update recently)
Upcoming Iowa DOT public hearings and notices:
* One virtual, one in person for a US 30 Missouri Valley Bypass.https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/missouri-valley-proposed-us-30-bypass-in-harrison-county-to-be-discussed-on-august-4-2022.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/missouri-valley-proposed-us-30-bypass-in-harrison-county-to-be-discussed-on-august-4-2022.html)
* One virtual, one in person for the I-35/I-80/I-235 Northeast Mixmaster https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/interstate-8035235-northeast-mixmaster-interchange-to-be-discussed-in-des-moines-on-august-9-2022.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/interstate-8035235-northeast-mixmaster-interchange-to-be-discussed-in-des-moines-on-august-9-2022.html)
* One public notice for corridor preservation for a future US 151 interchange at Springville https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/corridor-preservation-for-a-proposed-new-interchange-at-us-151-and-linn-county-road-x-20-intersectio.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/corridor-preservation-for-a-proposed-new-interchange-at-us-151-and-linn-county-road-x-20-intersectio.html)
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 29, 2022, 10:46:40 PM
* One public notice for corridor preservation for a future US 151 interchange at Springville https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/corridor-preservation-for-a-proposed-new-interchange-at-us-151-and-linn-county-road-x-20-intersectio.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2022/07/corridor-preservation-for-a-proposed-new-interchange-at-us-151-and-linn-county-road-x-20-intersectio.html)
This has the preferred interchange design: https://iowadot.gov/ole/nepaprojects/projects/us51/20181213_020_EA.pdf (https://iowadot.gov/ole/nepaprojects/projects/us51/20181213_020_EA.pdf). Basically, an interchange at X20 and RIRO at a relocated O'Brien Ln/Wendling Ln intersection.
It makes no sense to me to reroute O'Brien Ln's connection to US-151. I'd cut it off at the last house before US-151, then build a connector east to X20. Loaded trucks from the quarry have no business pulling out from an at-grade intersection directly into 65 mph traffic. I'd also close off Wendling Ln and make quarry traffic backtrack to X20, though I suspect locals would not be in favor of that.
The new flyover ramp from SB I-380 to EB I-80 opened last Friday. The old ramp from SB I-380 to WB I-80 is still in use for now.
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/traffic-alert-new-i-380-sb-to-i-80-eb-flyover-ramp-set-to-open
I just noticed tonight on my way to and from work in Clear Lake that they now have Incident Bypass signs for I-35 on County road B35 (4th Avenue S. in Clear Lake and locally called Old 106). The northbound Incident Bypass route turns north at Eisenhower Avenue in Mason City. Just curious if this continues north to Minnesota and south to Des Moines.
Incident Bypass is a consistent thing for IowaDOT. (Used to be Emergency Detour - with orange signs) 80 and 380 are heavily emphasized in the busy sections around CR and IC as well as the Quads.
Quote from: DandyDan on September 01, 2022, 04:40:34 AM
I just noticed tonight on my way to and from work in Clear Lake that they now have Incident Bypass signs for I-35 on County road B35 (4th Avenue S. in Clear Lake and locally called Old 106). The northbound Incident Bypass route turns north at Eisenhower Avenue in Mason City. Just curious if this continues north to Minnesota and south to Des Moines.
In Worth County, part of it is signed "alternate route to I-35" to match the Minnesota portion of the emergency bypass.
Quote from: iowahighways on August 23, 2022, 09:45:39 PM
The new flyover ramp from SB I-380 to EB I-80 opened last Friday. The old ramp from SB I-380 to WB I-80 is still in use for now.
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/traffic-alert-new-i-380-sb-to-i-80-eb-flyover-ramp-set-to-open
And as of yesterday, the new SB I-380 to WB I-80 ramp has opened: https://www.thegazette.com/news/new-ramp-opening-at-i-80-i-380-interchange/
Very nice. I'll be needing that ramp in a couple weeks.
I-29 traffic in both directions near the I-480 interchange has been moved onto frontage roads in order to reconstruct the mainline of I-29, while both new exit ramps from eastbound I-480 to I-29 have opened as of last week. Traffic not going to Council Bluffs is being routed onto I-880 and I-80. Meanwhile, I-480 traffic no longer continues on West Broadway past I-29; West Broadway traffic now uses the Riverfront exit just before I-29. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/update-interstate-changes-happening-in-council-bluffs.html)
Also, the new interchange of the Avenue of the Saints and US 218 north in Floyd is opening to east/southbound traffic this Tuesday. It will open to west/northbound traffic in the fall of 2023. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/traffic-patterns-will-change-at-the-intersection-of-us-18us-218iowa-27-at-floyd-county-road-t-44-sou.html)
Quote from: iowahighways on November 20, 2022, 05:24:37 PM
Also, the new interchange of the Avenue of the Saints and US 218 north in Floyd is opening to east/southbound traffic this Tuesday. It will open to west/northbound traffic in the fall of 2023. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/traffic-patterns-will-change-at-the-intersection-of-us-18us-218iowa-27-at-floyd-county-road-t-44-sou.html)
They didn't really waste any time building that. I was up that way in August and only the grade separation and maybe a bridge pier or two were built.
Quote from: Fredddie on December 08, 2022, 08:53:13 PM
Quote from: iowahighways on November 20, 2022, 05:24:37 PM
Also, the new interchange of the Avenue of the Saints and US 218 north in Floyd is opening to east/southbound traffic this Tuesday. It will open to west/northbound traffic in the fall of 2023. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/traffic-patterns-will-change-at-the-intersection-of-us-18us-218iowa-27-at-floyd-county-road-t-44-sou.html)
They didn't really waste any time building that. I was up that way in August and only the grade separation and maybe a bridge pier or two were built.
Clearly, Québec needs to learn a thing or two from Iowa.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2022, 08:59:58 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on December 08, 2022, 08:53:13 PM
Quote from: iowahighways on November 20, 2022, 05:24:37 PM
Also, the new interchange of the Avenue of the Saints and US 218 north in Floyd is opening to east/southbound traffic this Tuesday. It will open to west/northbound traffic in the fall of 2023. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/traffic-patterns-will-change-at-the-intersection-of-us-18us-218iowa-27-at-floyd-county-road-t-44-sou.html)
They didn't really waste any time building that. I was up that way in August and only the grade separation and maybe a bridge pier or two were built.
Clearly, Québec needs to learn a thing or two from Iowa.
Much of North America needs to learn that
Quote from: Fredddie on December 08, 2022, 08:53:13 PM
Quote from: iowahighways on November 20, 2022, 05:24:37 PM
Also, the new interchange of the Avenue of the Saints and US 218 north in Floyd is opening to east/southbound traffic this Tuesday. It will open to west/northbound traffic in the fall of 2023. (Source: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2022/11/traffic-patterns-will-change-at-the-intersection-of-us-18us-218iowa-27-at-floyd-county-road-t-44-sou.html)
They didn't really waste any time building that. I was up that way in August and only the grade separation and maybe a bridge pier or two were built.
They've only built 1/2 of it. The rest is coming next spring.
IA 17 now follows a new, much-needed viaduct over the old Lincoln Highway and parallel railroad tracks east of Boone which opened December 12: https://who13.com/news/new-railroad-overpass-in-boone-means-less-traffic-for-entire-community/
Work on a new interchange on US 218/IA 27 south of Waverly will start this year and finish in the fall of 2025. This will remove all remaining intersections on the Avenue of the Saints between Waverly and Cedar Falls.
https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-interchange-between-waverly-janesville-expected-to-be-under-construction-next-year/article_001f3a50-e904-5b97-844e-0f66b4723f05.html
I don't know if US 61 north of Burlington has been mentioned but design work is ongoing for widening to four lanes with a target of sometime in 2025. At work, I'm sheeting plans for the section involving the County Road H38 interchange at Mediapolis.
Quote from: Fredddie on January 19, 2023, 09:10:03 PM
I don't know if US 61 north of Burlington has been mentioned but design work is ongoing for widening to four lanes with a target of sometime in 2025. At work, I'm sheeting plans for the section involving the County Road H38 interchange at Mediapolis.
Is that the one where grading has begun long enough ago to be captured on Google Earth? https://goo.gl/maps/fVxdtbWaNHZ7CRH89
I haven't been in that area in years, but it's nice to see that US 61 is slowly being upgraded across the state.
Quote from: pianocello on January 20, 2023, 10:11:42 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on January 19, 2023, 09:10:03 PM
I don't know if US 61 north of Burlington has been mentioned but design work is ongoing for widening to four lanes with a target of sometime in 2025. At work, I'm sheeting plans for the section involving the County Road H38 interchange at Mediapolis.
Is that the one where grading has begun long enough ago to be captured on Google Earth? https://goo.gl/maps/fVxdtbWaNHZ7CRH89
I haven't been in that area in years, but it's nice to see that US 61 is slowly being upgraded across the state.
One and the same.
Quote from: Fredddie on February 04, 2023, 09:00:05 PM
Quote from: pianocello on January 20, 2023, 10:11:42 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on January 19, 2023, 09:10:03 PM
I don't know if US 61 north of Burlington has been mentioned but design work is ongoing for widening to four lanes with a target of sometime in 2025. At work, I'm sheeting plans for the section involving the County Road H38 interchange at Mediapolis.
Is that the one where grading has begun long enough ago to be captured on Google Earth? https://goo.gl/maps/fVxdtbWaNHZ7CRH89
I haven't been in that area in years, but it's nice to see that US 61 is slowly being upgraded across the state.
One and the same.
Huh. I find it strange that design work is still ongoing a few years after moving a significant amount of earth in that area. Unless you're working on a different segment?
Quote from: pianocello on February 11, 2023, 12:05:28 AM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 04, 2023, 09:00:05 PM
Quote from: pianocello on January 20, 2023, 10:11:42 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on January 19, 2023, 09:10:03 PM
I don't know if US 61 north of Burlington has been mentioned but design work is ongoing for widening to four lanes with a target of sometime in 2025. At work, I'm sheeting plans for the section involving the County Road H38 interchange at Mediapolis.
Is that the one where grading has begun long enough ago to be captured on Google Earth? https://goo.gl/maps/fVxdtbWaNHZ7CRH89
I haven't been in that area in years, but it's nice to see that US 61 is slowly being upgraded across the state.
One and the same.
Huh. I find it strange that design work is still ongoing a few years after moving a significant amount of earth in that area. Unless you're working on a different segment?
For some reason the grading and paving were separate projects instead of a grade-and-pave. Maybe it was just preliminary grading. I really don't know.
Looks like the improvements of the interchange of US-20/Avenue of the Saints at Cedar Falls left me on the appetite.
https://www.cedarfalls.com/1786/DOT-IA-2758-US-20
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 09, 2023, 10:40:44 AM
Looks like the improvements of the interchange of US-20/Avenue of the Saints at Cedar Falls left me on the appetite.
https://www.cedarfalls.com/1786/DOT-IA-2758-US-20
No high-speed ramps, at least not yet. They're resurfacing part of the existing IA 27/58 and ramps from US 20 while adding some turn lanes. Here is a link to a public meeting from 2020 with plans: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2020/10/iowa-27iowa-58-online-meeting.html
Quote from: iowahighways on April 10, 2023, 05:27:53 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 09, 2023, 10:40:44 AM
Looks like the improvements of the interchange of US-20/Avenue of the Saints at Cedar Falls left me on the appetite.
https://www.cedarfalls.com/1786/DOT-IA-2758-US-20
No high-speed ramps, at least not yet. They're resurfacing part of the existing IA 27/58 and ramps from US 20 while adding some turn lanes. Here is a link to a public meeting from 2020 with plans: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2020/10/iowa-27iowa-58-online-meeting.html
I wonder if IA DOT also toyed with the idea of a diverging diamond interchange for this interchange as an alternative?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 11, 2023, 01:10:01 PM
I wonder if IA DOT also toyed with the idea of a diverging diamond interchange for this interchange as an alternative?
Previous thread on this topic: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11813.0
The Iowa DOT did a planning study for interchange alternatives a decade ago and considered high-speed ramps at US 20, but those must be on the back burner for now.
And here's a local news story from last October: DOT to begin reconstructing Highway 58 and Ridgeway Avenue corridor next spring (https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/dot-to-begin-reconstructing-highway-58-and-ridgeway-avenue-corridor-next-spring/article_628bfe1e-a912-5972-857d-81191a6e2fd9.html)
Ugh... why can't they just do it right the first time?
While much-awaited work at the East Mixmaster has begun, there are now plans to add a new flyover ramp to the West Mixmaster of I-35, I-80, and I-235 by 2029: https://www.kcci.com/article/west-des-moines-plan-to-add-flyover-bridges-to-west-mixmaster/43866958
Quote from: iowahighways on May 11, 2023, 06:20:23 PM
While much-awaited work at the East Mixmaster has begun, there are now plans to add a new flyover ramp to the West Mixmaster of I-35, I-80, and I-235 by 2029: https://www.kcci.com/article/west-des-moines-plan-to-add-flyover-bridges-to-west-mixmaster/43866958
It's good that they're replacing at least one of the cloverleafs. Those were getting bad especially during the rush hours.
If funding wasn't an issue, I've always thought that interchange would be a good place for a turbine interchange. I think they have enough ROW to do it.
Quote
Sioux City Council will consider an agreement to build an I-29 interchange south of Sergeant Bluff
Sioux City, Iowa (KTIV) The Sioux City City Council will decide at its meeting Monday whether to enter into an agreement with the city of Sergeant Bluff and Woodbury County to build an I-29 Interchange South of Sergeant Bluff, according to the Sioux City Council agenda.
The cities of Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County, The Siouxland Initiative, and the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) have completed the initial step with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to construct a new interchange.
The proposed interchange will be located at approximately mile marker 139 on I-29 to improve access to the Southbridge area. Woodbury County has entered into an Agreement with the Iowa DOT as the Local Public Agency leading this project.
The schedule for this project is: design in 2023, property acquisition to be in 2024-2025, followed by construction in 2026 pending approval of the Iowa DOT Commission.
The Cities of Sergeant Bluff and Sioux City are working with Woodbury County to secure funding for the construction of the Interchange and associated roadways. Sioux City would participate in cost sharing only when or if the City annexes the area and capitalizes on economic development opportunities, according to the council agenda.
Source (https://www.ktiv.com/2023/05/21/sioux-city-council-will-consider-an-agreement-build-an-i-29-interchange-south-sergeant-bluff/)
If they build a new interchange at milepost 139, that would mean the rest area in both directions would have to be demolished to make way for the new interchange. It wouldn't be the first time a rest area/service area was demolished to make way for a new interchange.
I just realized something. Iowa 471 could have been given the number 171, 271, or 371, but instead, IowaDOT chose the number 471. Do you think that IowaDOT gave the route the number 471 because they have some hope that it'll become a US route designation one day? I don't know why IowaDOT would think that a route so short would get a US route designation, though...
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 01:17:56 PM
I just realized something. Iowa 471 could have been given the number 171, 271, or 371, but instead, IowaDOT chose the number 471. Do you think that IowaDOT gave the route the number 471 because they have some hope that it'll become a US route designation one day? I don't know why IowaDOT would think that a route so short would get a US route designation, though...
It also could have been an extension of IA 39 from Odebolt. But from my understanding, the Iowa DOT has a policy in place not to recycle any route numbers used within the last 50 years. IA 371 in Mahaska County was decommissioned in 2003 while IA 171 in Tama County and IA 271 in Guthrie County were decommissioned in 1980.
Was IA 471 a former alignment of US 71?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on May 25, 2023, 11:41:11 AM
Was IA 471 a former alignment of US 71?
Yep. US 71 followed it before the four-lane US 20 was built.
Quote from: iowahighways on May 24, 2023, 05:36:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 01:17:56 PM
[IA 471] also could have been an extension of IA 39 from Odebolt. But from my understanding, the Iowa DOT has a policy in place not to recycle any route numbers used within the last 50 years. IA 371 in Mahaska County was decommissioned in 2003 while IA 171 in Tama County and IA 271 in Guthrie County were decommissioned in 1980.
I wonder if that's why BUS US 61 in Davenport is internally IA 461 instead of 161 or a 900-series number. I know US 161 was a thing, and IA 261 existed north of Iowa City, but I don't know if those were around after the 60s.
Quote from: iowahighways on May 11, 2023, 06:20:23 PM
While much-awaited work at the East Mixmaster has begun, there are now plans to add a new flyover ramp to the West Mixmaster of I-35, I-80, and I-235 by 2029: https://www.kcci.com/article/west-des-moines-plan-to-add-flyover-bridges-to-west-mixmaster/43866958
Article about the same project from the Des Moines register.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2023/05/26/west-mixmaster-interchange-interstates-35-80-235-may-change-to-flyover-bridges-address-safety/70248897007/
Quote from: iowahighways on May 24, 2023, 05:36:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 01:17:56 PM
I just realized something. Iowa 471 could have been given the number 171, 271, or 371, but instead, IowaDOT chose the number 471. Do you think that IowaDOT gave the route the number 471 because they have some hope that it'll become a US route designation one day? I don't know why IowaDOT would think that a route so short would get a US route designation, though...
It also could have been an extension of IA 39 from Odebolt. But from my understanding, the Iowa DOT has a policy in place not to recycle any route numbers used within the last 50 years. IA 371 in Mahaska County was decommissioned in 2003 while IA 171 in Tama County and IA 271 in Guthrie County were decommissioned in 1980.
Thanks for the explanation, that makes a lot more sense now! And I totally agree that it could have been an extension of IA-39!!
Quote from: iowahighways on May 24, 2023, 05:36:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 01:17:56 PM
I just realized something. Iowa 471 could have been given the number 171, 271, or 371, but instead, IowaDOT chose the number 471. Do you think that IowaDOT gave the route the number 471 because they have some hope that it'll become a US route designation one day? I don't know why IowaDOT would think that a route so short would get a US route designation, though...
It also could have been an extension of IA 39 from Odebolt. But from my understanding, the Iowa DOT has a policy in place not to recycle any route numbers used within the last 50 years. IA 371 in Mahaska County was decommissioned in 2003 while IA 171 in Tama County and IA 271 in Guthrie County were decommissioned in 1980.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_state_highways_in_Iowa
That interpretation can't be right. IA 27 was a spur to the town of Alvord (in Lyon County) until being turned back to Lyon County in 1980. In 2001, IA 27 became the designation for the Avenue of the Saints.
Quote from: brad2971 on May 26, 2023, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: iowahighways on May 24, 2023, 05:36:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 01:17:56 PM
I just realized something. Iowa 471 could have been given the number 171, 271, or 371, but instead, IowaDOT chose the number 471. Do you think that IowaDOT gave the route the number 471 because they have some hope that it'll become a US route designation one day? I don't know why IowaDOT would think that a route so short would get a US route designation, though...
It also could have been an extension of IA 39 from Odebolt. But from my understanding, the Iowa DOT has a policy in place not to recycle any route numbers used within the last 50 years. IA 371 in Mahaska County was decommissioned in 2003 while IA 171 in Tama County and IA 271 in Guthrie County were decommissioned in 1980.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_state_highways_in_Iowa
That interpretation can't be right. IA 27 was a spur to the town of Alvord (in Lyon County) until being turned back to Lyon County in 1980. In 2001, IA 27 became the designation for the Avenue of the Saints.
It may be a more recent policy -- I found out about it when someone at the Iowa DOT let me know of an unsigned "IA 812" designation for part of Business US 20 (https://iowahighways.org/highways/us20.html#biz) in Sioux City a few years ago. (The rest of Business 20 is an unsigned part of IA 12.) Plus, both Iowa and Missouri agreed on the IA/MO 27 designation, as that was the lowest number that both states had available.
The Iowa DOT's 2023-2024 transportation map is out now: https://iowadot.gov/iowa_transportation_map/
The cover features both the old and new I-74 bridges, and the map itself accounts for the 2020 census. One thing I've noticed is that a four-lane segment of US 61 between Mediapolis and Burlington appears on the map, but I haven't seen any news about that segment opening yet.
Following up on an item from my last post: the four-lane segment of US 61 between Mediapolis and Burlington opened earlier this week.
Also, a new DDI at I-380 and Tower Terrace Road in Cedar Rapids opened today: https://www.kcrg.com/2023/06/22/tower-terrace-road-interchange-officially-opens/
Quote from: iowahighways on June 22, 2023, 11:12:17 PM
Also, a new DDI at I-380 and Tower Terrace Road in Cedar Rapids opened today: https://www.kcrg.com/2023/06/22/tower-terrace-road-interchange-officially-opens/
It's been a while since I've been up that way, so it threw me off at how quickly CR is developing to the north. I'm glad they're building an arterial corridor that will go from 380 all the way east to IA 13, and good on them for (mostly, so far) keeping commercial development away from that corridor.
It looks like roundabouts may be coming to US 30 near Boone: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2023/06/proposed-improvements-to-us-30-intersections-to-be-discussed-in-boone-on-june-20-2023.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/pim/2023/06/proposed-improvements-to-us-30-intersections-to-be-discussed-in-boone-on-june-20-2023.html) (look at project display 2 (https://iowadot.gov/pim/documents/062023US30BoonePD2.pdf)).
I would have preferred an upgrade to freeway standards, but that would probably cost too much in the short-term.
After being closed for about two years, I-29 has reopened at the interchange with I-480 in Council Bluffs:
https://omaha.com/news/local/traffic-hot-spots-i-29-set-to-reopen-in-council-bluffs-monday/article_17d284a4-361c-11ee-a772-7b47dae41db9.html
https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2023/08/traffic-pattern-changes-in-store-for-council-bluffs-next-week.html
https://www.roadsbridges.com/highway-construction/news/33010476/iowa-dot-celebrates-opening-of-new-i80380-interchange
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/i-80380-systems-interchange-project-in-iowa-citycoralville-is-complete
Iowa DOT Celebrates Opening of New I-80/380 Interchange- after seven years of construction and finishing three months ahead of schedule!
Good deal. I have never been there, but I was looking at Google maps. I they have some pretty nice roads in that area.
In similar news, the new US 30/IA 21 interchange opened on August 30th, the same day that the last two ramps of the aforementioned I-80/I-380 interchange opened.
https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2023/08/new-interchange-at-us-30-and-iowa-21-is-now-open.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2023/08/new-interchange-at-us-30-and-iowa-21-is-now-open.html)
Quote from: IowaTraveler on September 02, 2023, 05:22:53 PM
In similar news, the new US 30/IA 21 interchange opened on August 30th, the same day that the last two ramps of the aforementioned I-80/I-380 interchange opened.
https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2023/08/new-interchange-at-us-30-and-iowa-21-is-now-open.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2023/08/new-interchange-at-us-30-and-iowa-21-is-now-open.html)
Once the rest of US 30 is done, it will help save time from central Iowa to Cedar Rapids and Dubuque without having to deal with I-80 traffic.
On the subject of Dubuque, OpenStreetMap (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/42.4894/-90.6576) is now showing exit numbers along US 61/151 when there weren't any before. I know there were plans from a year ago to add those exit numbers as part of a sign replacement project, but the latest Street View images from July don't show them and I don't plan to head up that way anytime soon. Does anyone know if the new exit numbers are actually up?
Quote from: iowahighways on September 05, 2023, 06:28:53 PM
On the subject of Dubuque, OpenStreetMap (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/42.4894/-90.6576) is now showing exit numbers along US 61/151 when there weren't any before. I know there were plans from a year ago to add those exit numbers as part of a sign replacement project, but the latest Street View images from July don't show them and I don't plan to head up that way anytime soon. Does anyone know if the new exit numbers are actually up?
Yes, the new exit numbers in Dubuque along US 61/151 are up as of September 2023...
I've noticed on Wikipedia's US 151 page that the exit numbers on US 151 between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque count up from 151's western junction with US 6, not from its actual terminus at Interstate 80. The exit numbers from Davenport northward are only off by about a mile (below actual mileage), so no harm no foul.
The September Iowa Transportation Commission meeting included an item "Transfer of Jurisdiction of Frontage/Access Roadways along Iowa 461 in Davenport". What specific roads are these, and are they being transferred to or from state control? I wish the detailed agendas were available on the website before the meetings.
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on September 05, 2023, 06:40:20 PM
Quote from: iowahighways on September 05, 2023, 06:28:53 PM
On the subject of Dubuque, OpenStreetMap (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/42.4894/-90.6576) is now showing exit numbers along US 61/151 when there weren't any before. I know there were plans from a year ago to add those exit numbers as part of a sign replacement project, but the latest Street View images from July don't show them and I don't plan to head up that way anytime soon. Does anyone know if the new exit numbers are actually up?
Yes, the new exit numbers in Dubuque along US 61/151 are up as of September 2023...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/albums/72177720311211585
Proof. This contains both old and new versions of the signs. Signs were replaced both on 61/151 and on 20. They did not replace all of the signs - particularly some of those around Grandview Ave (both on 20 and 61) along with the one leading to Kerper Blvd in Wisconsin - this is possible due to who maintains them (I would suspect IowaDOT maintains the Kerper one, but I can also assume for the Grandview Ave/61 interchange, these not-so-BGSs might be city installed. No activity has taken place since early August.
The mile markers were added in June
Many will miss the cutouts at the 61/151 split, but won't miss the massive greenouts created by the US-52 move.
They also replaced trailblazers with the fugly new signs (151 is now on wide shields, but still using Type-B font).
They used FHWA font, not clearview.
Notable changes
- 9th/11th St now points to the "Historic Millwork District" which is basically a shopping galleria now.
- The SB 61/151 connection to Locust St sign changed it's district directional from "Port of Dubuque" to "Westend"
- The new signs omit the district color codes
- one sign at 9th street is missing its exit tab
- true to IowaDOT form, the replaced gore point signs now sport WRONG WAY signs on their backs.
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 15, 2023, 12:58:58 PM
The September Iowa Transportation Commission meeting included an item "Transfer of Jurisdiction of Frontage/Access Roadways along Iowa 461 in Davenport". What specific roads are these, and are they being transferred to or from state control? I wish the detailed agendas were available on the website before the meetings.
https://www.iowahighways.org/highways/iowa420-478.html. Iowa 461 is the state designation for Business US 61. My guess is that Iowa DOT is turning over the north-south portion to the city of Davenport, while the River Dr. portion (which is co-signed with US 67) stays in Iowa DOT hands. Frankly, I'm somewhat surprised that Kimberly Rd (US 6) in Davenport isn't being turned over to the city, especially since Iowa and Illinois DOTs just completed a new Mississippi River bridge for I-74, which is quite the major investment.
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 15, 2023, 12:58:58 PM
The September Iowa Transportation Commission meeting included an item "Transfer of Jurisdiction of Frontage/Access Roadways along Iowa 461 in Davenport". What specific roads are these, and are they being transferred to or from state control? I wish the detailed agendas were available on the website before the meetings.
I'm wondering if they're the frontage roads between 59th Street and 65th Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway. (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/41.5836/-90.5717). They were built around the time the one-ways south of 59th opened, in the spring of 1984.
Quote from: SSOWorld on September 15, 2023, 02:26:35 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/albums/72177720311211585
Proof. This contains both old and new versions of the signs. Signs were replaced both on 61/151 and on 20. They did not replace all of the signs - particularly some of those around Grandview Ave (both on 20 and 61) along with the one leading to Kerper Blvd in Wisconsin - this is possible due to who maintains them (I would suspect IowaDOT maintains the Kerper one, but I can also assume for the Grandview Ave/61 interchange, these not-so-BGSs might be city installed. No activity has taken place since early August.
Nice photos. I'm surprised the Greyhound Park is still signed even though it closed last fall. (The casino linked to it is still open.)
Quote from: iowahighways on September 15, 2023, 05:58:34 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 15, 2023, 12:58:58 PM
The September Iowa Transportation Commission meeting included an item "Transfer of Jurisdiction of Frontage/Access Roadways along Iowa 461 in Davenport". What specific roads are these, and are they being transferred to or from state control? I wish the detailed agendas were available on the website before the meetings.
I'm wondering if they're the frontage roads between 59th Street and 65th Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway. (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/41.5836/-90.5717). They were built around the time the one-ways south of 59th opened, in the spring of 1984.
Either that or the frontage roads along W. River Dr (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=17/41.50271/-90.63378). I think it's more likely the ones on Brady St, though. In either case, it's almost certainly a transfer from the state to the city.
Quote from: iowahighways on September 15, 2023, 06:02:37 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on September 15, 2023, 02:26:35 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/albums/72177720311211585
Proof. This contains both old and new versions of the signs. Signs were replaced both on 61/151 and on 20. They did not replace all of the signs - particularly some of those around Grandview Ave (both on 20 and 61) along with the one leading to Kerper Blvd in Wisconsin - this is possible due to who maintains them (I would suspect IowaDOT maintains the Kerper one, but I can also assume for the Grandview Ave/61 interchange, these not-so-BGSs might be city installed. No activity has taken place since early August.
Nice photos. I'm surprised the Greyhound Park is still signed even though it closed last fall. (The casino linked to it is still open.)
And I found yesterday that they reinstalled the 65mph limit on 61 north to the SW Arterial (used to end at the old entrance to the airport for over a decade and a half)
Quote from: SSOWorld on September 24, 2023, 09:48:18 PM
And I found yesterday that they reinstalled the 65mph limit on 61 north to the SW Arterial (used to end at the old entrance to the airport for over a decade and a half)
That's definitely a recent change; it was posted for 55 as recently as July.
Does anyone know if the Iowa section of Abbott Drive in Carter Lake is still a state highway? Is it still Iowa 165 even though recent GSV imagery shows the Iowa 165 markers having been removed? I took photos of both of the trailblazers at each beginning of the short state highway back in February 2016-- they have since disappeared. Photos are of the northern beginning and the southern beginning, respectively.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/26577112714_a61321e58d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GuwDFh)
IA-165NTSR (https://flic.kr/p/GuwDFh) by Paul Across America (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138603251@N02/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7442/26726192923_2690d941b5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GHGJ2H)
IA-165UN (https://flic.kr/p/GHGJ2H) by Paul Across America (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138603251@N02/), on Flickr
Pottawattamie County map on Iowa DOT's website still shows it. (https://iowadot.gov/maps/msp/pdf/pottawattamie-co.pdf) And it's dated 1/1/2023. So yeah, still exists on paper, just no longer signed.
Interestingly the signs do not appear to have been removed at the same time: the northbound one disappeared between June 2019 and August 2021. The southbound one was still there in November 2022 but gone in May 2023.
Both signs, the post they were on disappeared with them so the removals were probably deliberate, but who knows. The southbound one was in a bunch of bushes that also got removed with it.
Took US 30 between Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids this week on the way back home from Denver and it looks like they'll have the last four lane gap filled by this time next year. When they do, that will makes US 30 a very attractive alternate to I-80 for me moving forward. Coming from Wisconsin, I will now be able to get to Des Moines and beyond on all four lane with way, way, way fewer trucks and other traffic with about the same travel time. It's a much more relaxing drive.
Still a slowdown by that casino west of Toledo and the run of stoplights leaving Des Moines on US 65. But everything else is pretty great. No worse than the signals one has to traverse in Dubuque or Marion. I think that will become my default path on any trip heading that general direction.
East Mixmaster construction is in full swing. Especially the new NB I-35 ramp. Seems like the biggest interchange project in Iowa since they overhauled the 29/80 commons in Council Bluffs.
Quote from: iowahighways on September 15, 2023, 05:58:34 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 15, 2023, 12:58:58 PM
The September Iowa Transportation Commission meeting included an item "Transfer of Jurisdiction of Frontage/Access Roadways along Iowa 461 in Davenport". What specific roads are these, and are they being transferred to or from state control? I wish the detailed agendas were available on the website before the meetings.
I'm wondering if they're the frontage roads between 59th Street and 65th Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway. (https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/41.5836/-90.5717). They were built around the time the one-ways south of 59th opened, in the spring of 1984.
And I just found out that those were indeed the roads being transferred: https://iowadot.gov/commission/pdf/September-2023-Minutes.pdf
So the Avenue of the Saints now has three active speed cameras in Lee County: https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/ (https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/)
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 30, 2024, 10:45:16 PM
So the Avenue of the Saints now has three active speed cameras in Lee County: https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/ (https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/)
Granted, I haven't been on AotS in Lee County since the second carriageway was still under construction (stayed in Donnellson, attended a wedding in Houghton) . . . but I seem to recall there being a whole lot of nothing around there.
Quote from: kphoger on January 31, 2024, 09:07:07 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 30, 2024, 10:45:16 PM
So the Avenue of the Saints now has three active speed cameras in Lee County: https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/ (https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/)
Granted, I haven't been on AotS in Lee County since the second carriageway was still under construction (stayed in Donnellson, attended a wedding in Houghton) . . . but I seem to recall there being a whole lot of nothing around there.
Can confirm that the only think worth seeing on the AotS in Lee County is that big red fireworks building in Missouri that you can see five miles out.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjrTZ3NQ5RbLcUrKA
Is US 20 Business along Gordon Drive in Sioux City been decommissioned?
Quote from: roadman65 on February 13, 2024, 10:13:57 PM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjrTZ3NQ5RbLcUrKA
Is US 20 Business along Gordon Drive in Sioux City been decommissioned?
No. That sign originally had IA 12 on it until 2000; Business 20 was never signed there at all. Gordon Drive is still considered part of IA 12 but is only signed as Business 20.
That interchange is currently being reconstructed from an incomplete cloverleaf into a diamond interchange.
I got word that US 30 between County Road V44 south of Keystone and the interchange with US 218 opened to four lanes on June 6. As for the last five miles of two-lane between IA 21 and V44, traffic is now on the future eastbound lanes with grading going on for the new westbound lanes.
I know I've said this before, but US 30 and IA 330 have become a much more attractive route for me to get between Wisconsin and Des Moines and points west and south versus I-80. The order of magnitude less traffic makes it a leisurely drive at basically the same speed, minus a couple slow downs.
80 is such a zoo with oodles of trucks slow passing each other, putzy RV's, and speed freaks who ride your ass if you're not doing 90.
It's become my default to go via Marshalltown already. The last segment getting done this fall will seal the deal.
Quote from: Fredddie on February 12, 2024, 11:52:45 PMQuote from: kphoger on January 31, 2024, 09:07:07 AMQuote from: Revive 755 on January 30, 2024, 10:45:16 PMSo the Avenue of the Saints now has three active speed cameras in Lee County: https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/ (https://www.wgem.com/2023/12/28/six-speeding-cameras-place-lee-county-fines-begin-jan-1/)
Granted, I haven't been on AotS in Lee County since the second carriageway was still under construction (stayed in Donnellson, attended a wedding in Houghton) . . . but I seem to recall there being a whole lot of nothing around there.
Can confirm that the only think worth seeing on the AotS in Lee County is that big red fireworks building in Missouri that you can see five miles out.
A law was passed last month limiting these cameras. I don't know though if it's retroactive in effect.
I-35/I-80 Interchange project is kicking off: https://www.kcci.com/article/major-renovation-project-set-to-transform-interstate-35-80/62009960?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3wYBljVfBdOOpVe5opaaVdp7T7sISQ3YRIUUrDnMi-sgZ3rvPhDKgWGUQ_aem_l_4g61myUG0JorTbst9fpg&ai=
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on August 29, 2024, 09:53:37 PMI-35/I-80 Interchange project is kicking off: https://www.kcci.com/article/major-renovation-project-set-to-transform-interstate-35-80/62009960?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3wYBljVfBdOOpVe5opaaVdp7T7sISQ3YRIUUrDnMi-sgZ3rvPhDKgWGUQ_aem_l_4g61myUG0JorTbst9fpg&ai=
and this is Iowa getting its first 4-level stack. One more than Illinois and Indiana combined.
Side note: Just getting started? It's been under construction for the bulk of the year already!
Iowa's new law affecting speed cameras took effect this month, with mixed results. Almost all of the state's stationary cameras were ruled improper under the new law and must be shut off. However, the majority of permits for mobile cameras were approved.
The use of speed cameras is also temporarily paused in some locations while required warning signage is installed.
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/state-government-news/2024-10-01/traffic-speed-cameras-automated-enforcement-iowa-dot
Quote from: SSOWorld on September 01, 2024, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: Plutonic Panda on August 29, 2024, 09:53:37 PMI-35/I-80 Interchange project is kicking off: https://www.kcci.com/article/major-renovation-project-set-to-transform-interstate-35-80/62009960?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3wYBljVfBdOOpVe5opaaVdp7T7sISQ3YRIUUrDnMi-sgZ3rvPhDKgWGUQ_aem_l_4g61myUG0JorTbst9fpg&ai=
and this is Iowa getting its first 4-level stack. One more than Illinois and Indiana combined.
Side note: Just getting started? It's been under construction for the bulk of the year already!
The WB I-80 to NB I-35 ramp is open. The EB flyover has concrete barriers, so I have to assume that's coming in the next few weeks.
Quote from: Fredddie on October 07, 2024, 09:37:09 PMQuote from: SSOWorld on September 01, 2024, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: Plutonic Panda on August 29, 2024, 09:53:37 PMI-35/I-80 Interchange project is kicking off: https://www.kcci.com/article/major-renovation-project-set-to-transform-interstate-35-80/62009960?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3wYBljVfBdOOpVe5opaaVdp7T7sISQ3YRIUUrDnMi-sgZ3rvPhDKgWGUQ_aem_l_4g61myUG0JorTbst9fpg&ai=
and this is Iowa getting its first 4-level stack. One more than Illinois and Indiana combined.
Side note: Just getting started? It's been under construction for the bulk of the year already!
The WB I-80 to NB I-35 ramp is open. The EB flyover has concrete barriers, so I have to assume that's coming in the next few weeks.
I was confused as well so went through the Iowa DOT website to figure out which is which.
The link posted above was for this project (Exit 125): https://iowadot.gov/dsminterstates/Hickman-Road-Interchange/Hickman-Road-Interchange-Construction
There are projects happening (or will start in the next couple of years) at the 2 Mimxaster interchanges: https://iowadot.gov/dsminterstates/Northeast-Mixmaster/Northeast-Mixmaster-Construction and https://iowadot.gov/dsminterstates/Southwest-Mixmaster/Southwest-Mixmaster-Construction
It appears the Southwest Mixmaster project has won a grant (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-dot-awarded-over-68-million-for-southwest-mixmaster-project) from the USDOT, but I haven't seen a list of projects from the USDOT yet.
Oh right. That's what I get for not clicking links. The US 6 interchange is a level 19 clusterfuck mostly because of a truck stop in the SW quadrant. This is what I know is going on along I-35/I-80 just from living here:
- Both mixmasters being fixed/replaced
- Widening to (at least) four lanes per direction (several bridges need to be replaced)
- US 6 DDI
- Replacing gantries
It also looks like the University Avenue interchange will lose its access to and from the mixmaster side of I-80, but I don't know how far along design is for that project.
Quote from: Fredddie on October 08, 2024, 01:51:56 PMIt also looks like the University Avenue interchange will lose its access to and from the mixmaster side of I-80, but I don't know how far along design is for that project.
It only looks like that because the GIS map in the above link isn't drawn that great.
There's going to be some kind of braiding setup, per the Public Information Meeting handout:
https://iowadot.gov/pim/documents/041124-interstate3580235-handout.pdf
I got word that the last segment of US 30 in Benton County opened to four lanes on October 15.
Also, a new interchange on US 30 at County Road R70 east of Ames opened October 14 -- and that opening actually got a news release from the Iowa DOT: https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2024/10/new-interchange-on-us-30-at-580th-avenuestory-county-road-r-70teller-avenue-between-ames-and-nevada-.html
US 30 in Boone seems to be getting a roundabout at Corporal Rodger Snedden Drive (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJzUZpHKbdVaZC3Z9) as part of a RISE grant to Boone - see the bottom of https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2024/10/actions-taken-at-the-iowa-transportation-commission-meeting-on-tuesday-oct-8.html (https://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2024/10/actions-taken-at-the-iowa-transportation-commission-meeting-on-tuesday-oct-8.html).
So two roundabouts for US 30 in Boone if there is still one planned to replace the all-way stop at Story Street?
I realize these can't be the busiest intersections on a divided highway in Iowa, but what's the point of having a southerly expressway (near-freeway) bypass of Boone if they're going to make through traffic on US-30 navigate these roundabouts?
The obvious and correct answer would be to build out interchanges at these spots. Is Iowa's DOT that broke that it's unable to install an interchange in these locations? They went to considerable trouble and expense to build out a high-speed 4-lane US-30 bypass of Boone, and now we're kneecapping it by making US-30 traffic slow down unnecessarily.
I'm normally a roundabout advocate, but not as an intersection on a high-speed divided highway where folks tend not to expect them. I'm picturing a lot of instances where through traffic on US-30 is surprised by the sudden appearance of a roundabout, and ends up blowing right through it at highway speed.
Building a roundabout may be far cheaper than an interchange, but they've effectively stuck with it for at least the next 20 years until, finally, someone comes to their senses and fixes it properly with an interchange.
Anyone know when the construction on US 63 south of Tama will be done? It was scheduled to be done in October and then they delayed it to November 15 according to 511ia.org. Is that accurate?
Quote from: JREwing78 on October 19, 2024, 07:53:44 PMI realize these can't be the busiest intersections on a divided highway in Iowa, but what's the point of having a southerly expressway (near-freeway) bypass of Boone if they're going to make through traffic on US-30 navigate these roundabouts?
The obvious and correct answer would be to build out interchanges at these spots. Is Iowa's DOT that broke that it's unable to install an interchange in these locations? They went to considerable trouble and expense to build out a high-speed 4-lane US-30 bypass of Boone, and now we're kneecapping it by making US-30 traffic slow down unnecessarily.
I'm normally a roundabout advocate, but not as an intersection on a high-speed divided highway where folks tend not to expect them. I'm picturing a lot of instances where through traffic on US-30 is surprised by the sudden appearance of a roundabout, and ends up blowing right through it at highway speed.
Building a roundabout may be far cheaper than an interchange, but they've effectively stuck with it for at least the next 20 years until, finally, someone comes to their senses and fixes it properly with an interchange.
Eh, I'm sure the DOT considered an interchange but decided it wasn't worth the expense (which I tend to agree in this case). The AADT is in the 10K range, and it drops off pretty dramatically west of Boone - so it doesn't seem like there's much through traffic to speak of. After all, Boone is the biggest town US 30 passes through west of Ames, and the 4-lane stretch only continues as far west as the next town. Given that, seems like Iowa DOT just had to make the choice between a roundabout and a signal.
Speaking of slowing down unnecessarily, the 4-way stop at Story St that someone mentioned upthread seems to have been there since the 60s or 70s, when the bypass was originally built. So it's not like it's a new 4 lane road, or like anything is being kneecapped.
Quote from: pianocello on October 21, 2024, 05:02:33 PMEh, I'm sure the DOT considered an interchange but decided it wasn't worth the expense (which I tend to agree in this case). The AADT is in the 10K range, and it drops off pretty dramatically west of Boone - so it doesn't seem like there's much through traffic to speak of. After all, Boone is the biggest town US 30 passes through west of Ames, and the 4-lane stretch only continues as far west as the next town. Given that, seems like Iowa DOT just had to make the choice between a roundabout and a signal.
These days there should also be an RCUT/superstreet option.
What are the chances Boone becomes a bit of a commuter suburb for Ames?
Quote from: Revive 755 on October 21, 2024, 10:19:29 PMWhat are the chances Boone becomes a bit of a commuter suburb for Ames?
Boone County is already part of the Ames MSA, along with Story County.
Quote from: Revive 755 on October 21, 2024, 10:19:29 PMQuote from: pianocello on October 21, 2024, 05:02:33 PMEh, I'm sure the DOT considered an interchange but decided it wasn't worth the expense (which I tend to agree in this case). The AADT is in the 10K range, and it drops off pretty dramatically west of Boone - so it doesn't seem like there's much through traffic to speak of. After all, Boone is the biggest town US 30 passes through west of Ames, and the 4-lane stretch only continues as far west as the next town. Given that, seems like Iowa DOT just had to make the choice between a roundabout and a signal.
These days there should also be an RCUT/superstreet option.
What are the chances Boone becomes a bit of a commuter suburb for Ames?
One of the people I work with used to live in Ames and when he lived there, he worked with many people from Boone. It's there already.
30 west of Ames is so weird.
Two big curves to conform to section boundaries, an exit for 17 east of town that locals never use, and a four way stop for the entrance into town that is used. Then west of there, an exit for 169 and then the freeway just...ending.
Quote from: WhitePoleRD on November 20, 2024, 08:43:11 AM30 west of Ames is so weird.
Two big curves to conform to section boundaries, an exit for 17 east of town that locals never use, and a four way stop for the entrance into town that is used. Then west of there, an exit for 169 and then the freeway just...ending.
There is no need to have a freeway west of there.
There probably isn't enough traffic to warrant US 30 being expanded to four lanes west of there either. The Lisbon-to-DeWitt segment probably also doesn't need to be expanded to four lanes, does it?
Quote from: SEWIGuy on November 20, 2024, 09:22:32 AMQuote from: WhitePoleRD on November 20, 2024, 08:43:11 AM30 west of Ames is so weird.
Two big curves to conform to section boundaries, an exit for 17 east of town that locals never use, and a four way stop for the entrance into town that is used. Then west of there, an exit for 169 and then the freeway just...ending.
There is no need to have a freeway west of there.
Oh no argument from me. Honestly I think the 4 lane could have happened as a Y intersection with Lincoln Way on the edge of town and continued as two lane to Boone. Or, since Boone really is the major traffic dropoff that it ended at the 4 way intersection.
The left exit to "stay" on I-35 in Des Moines is no more, as the new flyover ramp at the East Mixmaster interchange with I-80 and I-235 opened today:
https://who13.com/news/metro-news/new-flyover-bridge-at-east-mixmaster-now-open/#
Quote from: iowahighways on November 21, 2024, 07:45:04 PMThe left exit to "stay" on I-35 in Des Moines is no more, as the new flyover ramp at the East Mixmaster interchange with I-80 and I-235 opened today:
https://who13.com/news/metro-news/new-flyover-bridge-at-east-mixmaster-now-open/#
We were through there on the 20th and could see it looked ready to go. Disappointed we didn't get to drive it.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 20, 2024, 12:46:47 PMThere probably isn't enough traffic to warrant US 30 being expanded to four tween lanes west of there either. The Lisbon-to-DeWitt segment probably also doesn't need to be expanded to four lanes, does it?
When I drove the segment between DeWitt and Lisbon 30 years ago, I was surprised at how busy it was, and how few passing opps there were. I suspect it was due to the relatively high number of towns along that stretch. It could have used some passing lanes at a minimum. IaDOT does climbing lanes, but not extended passing lanes like MnDOT or WisDOT?
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on December 10, 2024, 03:55:14 AMQuote from: The Ghostbuster on November 20, 2024, 12:46:47 PMThere probably isn't enough traffic to warrant US 30 being expanded to four tween lanes west of there either. The Lisbon-to-DeWitt segment probably also doesn't need to be expanded to four lanes, does it?
When I drove the segment between DeWitt and Lisbon 30 years ago, I was surprised at how busy it was, and how few passing opps there were. I suspect it was due to the relatively high number of towns along that stretch. It could have used some passing lanes at a minimum. IaDOT does climbing lanes, but not extended passing lanes like MnDOT or WisDOT?
I am unsure of the rest of the state, but US 18 has two sets of extended passing lanes. One set, for each direction, is between Ventura and Garner and the other is between Britt and the IA 17 intersection.
Was the US 18 freeway ever proposed to continue west of Interstate 35? There are stubs at the interchange, and it looks like something could have been built, if not for the wildlife areas west of the US 18/Interstate 35 interchange.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 10, 2024, 11:40:59 AMWas the US 18 freeway ever proposed to continue west of Interstate 35? There are stubs at the interchange, and it looks like something could have been built, if not for the wildlife areas west of the US 18/Interstate 35 interchange.
I don't know if a serious proposal was ever made, but I can say there isn't much need for an extended freeway west of I-35. Such a road would go to Garner and they need a more modern US 18 than a freeway that takes you there.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on December 10, 2024, 03:55:14 AMQuote from: The Ghostbuster on November 20, 2024, 12:46:47 PMThere probably isn't enough traffic to warrant US 30 being expanded to four tween lanes west of there either. The Lisbon-to-DeWitt segment probably also doesn't need to be expanded to four lanes, does it?
When I drove the segment between DeWitt and Lisbon 30 years ago, I was surprised at how busy it was, and how few passing opps there were. I suspect it was due to the relatively high number of towns along that stretch. It could have used some passing lanes at a minimum. IaDOT does climbing lanes, but not extended passing lanes like MnDOT or WisDOT?
MnDOT is extremely stingy regarding passing lanes, especially compared to MDOT or WisDOT. There's an adequate amount of them on US 2 and M-28 along the South Shore, but when you get past the expressway on TH 61, there's only two passing lanes until the border. Then suddenly, Ontario has them every 5 km or so.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 10, 2024, 11:40:59 AMWas the US 18 freeway ever proposed to continue west of Interstate 35? There are stubs at the interchange, and it looks like something could have been built, if not for the wildlife areas west of the US 18/Interstate 35 interchange.
Yes, it was part of the Iowa's 1968 Highway Plan which proposed a very extensive set of freeways and expressways across the state including a Highway 18 expressway.
US 18 expressway
The idea: A second-tier project, split into 18W (Spencer to I-35) and 18E (the east Freeway 518 junction to the Wisconsin state line).
What happened: Pretty much nothing. A straightening between New Hampton and Postville never got past the drawing board. The Freeway 518 portion was built as part of the Avenue of the Saints.
Forty years later: The interchange with I-35 that opened in 1999 makes it easy to pretend that the four-lane could one day extend along the south side of Clear Lake (the lake) to Ventura, but that's about it. There is a four-lane New Hampton bypass with US 63, though.
https://iowahighwayends.net/maps/1968plan.html
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/iowa-senate-advances-legislation-on-handheld-device-ban-and-speed-limit-increase-269762
Iowa might be upping the speed limit on certain undivided paved highways from 55 mph to 60 mph... reminds me of what Minnesota did years ago.
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 19, 2025, 03:55:34 AMhttps://evrimagaci.org/tpg/iowa-senate-advances-legislation-on-handheld-device-ban-and-speed-limit-increase-269762
Iowa might be upping the speed limit on certain undivided paved highways from 55 mph to 60 mph... reminds me of what Minnesota did years ago.
So the difference between some two lane state routes and the US 20 freeway will be 5 mph. I don't know of any states that allow 60+ on two lane roads that also don't allow 70 on non-interstate freeways
Quote from: I-55 on March 31, 2025, 08:50:48 AMQuote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 19, 2025, 03:55:34 AMhttps://evrimagaci.org/tpg/iowa-senate-advances-legislation-on-handheld-device-ban-and-speed-limit-increase-269762
Iowa might be upping the speed limit on certain undivided paved highways from 55 mph to 60 mph... reminds me of what Minnesota did years ago.
So the difference between some two lane state routes and the US 20 freeway will be 5 mph. I don't know of any states that allow 60+ on two lane roads that also don't allow 70 on non-interstate freeways
Point taken, but all of Iowa's non-interstate freeways have many transitions between freeway and expressway, and I believe even the freeway segments allow farm machinery. I can't see Iowa raising the limit to 70 on those roads. The combines and gravity wagons would be sitting ducks.
Quote from: Mav94 on March 31, 2025, 08:11:36 PMPoint taken, but all of Iowa's non-interstate freeways have many transitions between freeway and expressway, and I believe even the freeway segments allow farm machinery. I can't see Iowa raising the limit to 70 on those roads. The combines and gravity wagons would be sitting ducks.
Iowa does a pretty good job of blurring the lines between expressway and non-Interstate freeway. Which I appreciate; speed limits notwithstanding, I think that once signals and high-traffic intersections are removed in favor of interchanges and overpasses, there are better uses of funds than full freeway conversion.
That said, I know at least US 61 between Davenport and DeWitt does not allow farm machinery (Street View Link) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PEPfB8j2NfTFdiim6). I assume other longer full-freeway segments such as US 20 from Fort Dodge to Waterloo and US 218 south of Iowa City have similar restrictions, but I don't know what the length threshold is or what other roads would qualify.
Quote from: pianocello on April 01, 2025, 10:00:05 PMI assume other longer full-freeway segments such as US 20 from Fort Dodge to Waterloo and US 218 south of Iowa City have similar restrictions, but I don't know what the length threshold is or what other roads would qualify.
US 218/IA 27 does have a minimum speed requirement between I-80 and IA 22. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kgoann17JydMLEiR6)
Quote from: I-55 on March 31, 2025, 08:50:48 AMQuote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 19, 2025, 03:55:34 AMhttps://evrimagaci.org/tpg/iowa-senate-advances-legislation-on-handheld-device-ban-and-speed-limit-increase-269762
Iowa might be upping the speed limit on certain undivided paved highways from 55 mph to 60 mph... reminds me of what Minnesota did years ago.
So the difference between some two lane state routes and the US 20 freeway will be 5 mph. I don't know of any states that allow 60+ on two lane roads that also don't allow 70 on non-interstate freeways
Minnesota doesn't have any non-interstates posted at 70.
Quote from: pianocello on April 01, 2025, 10:00:05 PMIowa does a pretty good job of blurring the lines between expressway and non-Interstate freeway. Which I appreciate; speed limits notwithstanding, I think that once signals and high-traffic intersections are removed in favor of interchanges and overpasses, there are better uses of funds than full freeway conversion.
That said, I know at least US 61 between Davenport and DeWitt does not allow farm machinery (Street View Link) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PEPfB8j2NfTFdiim6). I assume other longer full-freeway segments such as US 20 from Fort Dodge to Waterloo and US 218 south of Iowa City have similar restrictions, but I don't know what the length threshold is or what other roads would qualify.
I fully agree that many times an expressway with limited at-grade access is enough or more than enough for a road like US 20 in Iowa. The truck traffic is heavy enough to warrant the four-lane road but the overall traffic doesn't justify fully controlling the access, with all the bridges that would have to be built to let farmers move machinery.
The Des Moines Beltway notoriously
does allow farm machinery because it crosses the Des Moines River.
(Also the continuous freeway section of US 20 ends at the Iowa 17 exit south of Highview; it doesn't quite make it to Fort Dodge. I only know this because I'm from the area originally and once had to make a blind left from 20 to Webster County P73 in a blizzard when I could
almost see to the front of my car!)
Quote from: I-55 on March 31, 2025, 08:50:48 AMSo the difference between some two lane state routes and the US 20 freeway will be 5 mph. I don't know of any states that allow 60+ on two lane roads that also don't allow 70 on non-interstate freeways
Quote from: Molandfreak on April 02, 2025, 10:21:46 AMMinnesota doesn't have any non-interstates posted at 70.
I should point out that MnDOT could theoretically set a speed limit of 70 mph on a non-Interstate freeway, even if it weren't a trunk highway.
Quote from: 2024 Minnesota StatutesTransportation
Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations
§ 169.14 — Speed Limits, Zones; Radar
Subd. 4 — Establishment of zones by commissioner
On determining upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any speed set forth in this section is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist on any trunk highway or upon any part thereof, the commissioner may erect appropriate signs designating a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat, which speed limit shall be effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds in excess of such limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that any speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful. On determining upon that basis that a part of the trunk highway system outside a municipality should be a zone of maximum speed limit, the commissioner may establish that part as such a zone by erecting appropriate signs showing the beginning and end of the zone, designating a reasonable and safe speed therefor, which may be different than the speed set forth in this section, and that it is a zone of maximum speed limit. The speed so designated by the commissioner within any such zone shall be a maximum speed limit, and speed in excess of such limit shall be unlawful. The commissioner may in the same manner from time to time alter the boundary of such a zone and the speed limit therein or eliminate such zone.
Quote from: 2024 Minnesota StatutesTransportation
Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations
§ 169.14 — Speed Limits, Zones; Radar
Subd. 5 — Zoning within local area
When local authorities believe that the existing speed limit upon any street or highway, or part thereof, within their respective jurisdictions and not a part of the trunk highway system is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under existing conditions, they may request the commissioner to authorize, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, the erection of appropriate signs designating what speed is reasonable and safe, and the commissioner may authorize the erection of appropriate signs designating a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat, which speed limit shall be effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds in excess of these speed limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that any speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful. Alteration of speed limits on streets and highways shall be made only upon authority of the commissioner except as provided by law.
New bypass coming to US 30 in Missouri Valley.
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on April 14, 2025, 06:48:53 PMNew bypass coming to US 30 in Missouri Valley.
Originally planned with 4 lanes, it will now have 2.