GENERAL INFORMATION

When was I-235 originally built?

It was designed in the 1950s and constructed in the 1960s.

Why must I-235 be rebuilt?

• Safety is the primary reason. I-235 has a higher than average crash rate. The crash toll continues to rise, averaging 850 collisions per year along the entire length, including the 21 interchanges. The new freeway could save lives and head off serious accidents.
• I-235 wasn’t designed to handle the current traffic. When the freeway was designed in the 1950s, it was predicted that by 1975 about 20,000 vehicles per day (vpd) would use the road in West Des Moines and that the daily traffic count would hit 77,000 vpd in the middle of Des Moines. The reality is that daily freeway traffic in West Des Moines now exceeds 80,000 and it increases to 110,000 vehicles from 56th to 42nd streets in Des Moines. Traffic projections indicate the counts could exceed 150,000 vpd.
• Even with improvements to city streets and other state highways, the area can’t handle the projected traffic over the next 20 years.
• The pavement is over 30-years old and the freeway is wearing out.
• Bridges over I-235 are lower than modern standards, resulting in trucks hitting bridges causing congestion, structural damage to the bridges and possible injuries.

How much will construction cost?

It will cost approximately $429 million.

SCHEDULE

Construction got underway in 2002 and will continue through 2007. This was phased to allow bridge and interchange work to begin in 2002. Reconstruction and paving of the freeway lanes takes place in 2004.

What’s the construction timeline year-by-year?

2002- utility relocation, bridge replacement, interchange reconstruction

2003- bridge replacement, interchange reconstruction

2004- bridge widening and replacement, interchange reconstruction, mainline paving

2005- mainline paving, bridge replacement

2006- mainline paving, bridge replacement

Why is the project taking six years? Can’t it be done faster?

The project is phased to allow the maximum amount of work per construction season, with minimal delay and inconvenience. For example, if multiple consecutive interchanges were reconstructed at the same time, it might accelerate the schedule but it would reduce the access to I-235 causing inconvenience and possible safety concerns.

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IMPACTS

When will the most traffic congestion/delays occur?

It’s expected that traffic congestion and delays will become more significant when mainline paving begins and work forces the freeway down to two lanes in each direction. This will begin in 2004 when work on mainline I-235 starts on the western portions of the freeway. This will reduce capacity significantly. However, freeway lanes will always be open and we will not schedule the closure of two consecutive interchanges.

What time of day will construction work be done? Will work be done at night?

The majority of the work is planned for during the day, however there will be times when night construction is necessary.

Are there homes in the project right of way?

In order to construct the much-needed improvements, additional right-of-way is needed in some areas. Unfortunately, some residential acquisitions are necessary to improve the safety and operation of I-235. We have made some refinements to the design in an effort to minimize the impacts to properties.

What will be done to relieve congestion and traffic delays?

There will be a variety of solutions available that could impact congestion and delays. The goal will be to reduce I-235 traffic by 10 percent during peak periods. Drivers will be encouraged to use alternative transportation means like bus, carpools and vanpools. Businesses will be encouraged to provide bus passes, implement flexible schedules, and allow workers to telecommute when possible. Alternative transportation routes will be identified and publicized.

How can I get information on how to ride the bus?

Transit information can be found by accessing the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Web site at http://www.dmmta.com or by phoning MTA at (515) 283-8141.

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MORE INFORMATION

Will there be one place to get information on the project?

Yes! There will be a variety of ways to get one-stop information on I-235 reconstruction. I235.com is the best source for current information.

Beginning in the spring of 2003 motorists will also be able to dial 511 to obtain up-to-date information on I-235 closures and other construction work that may affect travel.

How will I be able to find out about construction near my home or business? Will the DOT give us advanced notice of closures?

We will use a number of ways to communicate important information about how the reconstruction may affect you when the construction begins. Planned closures will be reported on local radio and television media, newspapers and many employee communications. The Web site will provide real-time information on rapidly changing information, alternate routes, transportation alternatives as well as closure notices and much more.