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IA DOT discusses Bluffs Interstate system

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March 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation say reconstruction of the Interstate 29 interchange with U.S. Highway 275/Iowa Highway 92 will be a main project this year in the continuing rebuilding process of the Council Bluffs interstate system. The Daily NonPareil reports DOT engineers expect it will take two-years to reconstruct the interchange.

Engineer Troy Jerman said the new design won’t look much different from the current shape. The entry/exit ramps will be longer and the U-shaped exit off southbound I-29 will have a wider turn for more safety. There will be some night closures on I-29 during this period, while Hwy. 92 will have one lane closures in each direction. Work is expected to start in July.

Also this year, two bridges that are part of the west junction of Interstate 80 and I-29 near the Missouri River will open. One of them is the bridge taking motorists from eastbound I-80 onto I-29 going north. The other is the “local bridge” from I-29 southbound to eastbound I-80. The local bridge takes motorists to the South 24th Street exit or the South Expressway exit.

A major project once that interchange work is completed will be the moving of railroad lines to allow more room for the widening of the major interstate corridor. One relocation will involve the CBCE line that currently runs through the middle of Lewis Central High School. The BSNF line that parallels the Manawa Power Centre will be moved, meaning traffic entering that shopping center from the west won’t be bothered anymore by trains going to nearby industries.

The IDOT has committed $442 million in state and federal funds to this project in the next five years. The information was presented during a public meeting Tuesday, in Council Bluffs.