Where the Missouri River winds through the bustling Council Bluffs-Omaha region, the parallel Interstate-29/Interstate-480/West Broadway Interchange has undergone a transformation.
The Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program, initiated by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 2002, was designed to address the growing needs of an area projected to see over 120,000 drivers daily by 2030. Central to this was the reconstruction of the West Broadway Interchange, a connection that had long been inadequate for the demands of modern traffic.
“Ames is proud to have contributed to this significant modernization effort for the Council Bluffs-Omaha region,” said Mitch Johnson, project manager, Ames Construction. “With Iowa DOT, our project partners, and the tremendous performance of our people, we were able to successfully deliver this project six months ahead of schedule. We especially thank the community for their patience and support throughout construction.”
Before the project, accessing downtown Council Bluffs and Omaha from I-29 was a challenge, with no direct routes available. The interchange stood as a barrier, causing congestion and safety concerns.
The newly designed interchange aimed to change all that, eliminating confusing left exits and improving overall vehicle flow on I-29 and I-480. The project enhanced safety and addressed critical design flaws that had persisted since the interstate's original construction in the 1960s.
The reconstruction represented the largest urban interstate project undertaken by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). To achieve this, a skilled team was assembled, including HDR, which designed the project, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Ames Construction.
The team worked together seamlessly through multiple project phases. Each segment of the project was meticulously planned to minimize disruptions, with traffic management being a top priority. The team implemented 14 traffic stages, allowing the public to navigate the area safely while construction progressed.
A notable aspect of the project was its engineering ingenuity. Located adjacent to a levee crucial for flood prevention, the construction employed intermediate foundation improvements (IFIs) and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to reduce the footprint of the work and avoid disrupting the levee system. This method protected the city from potential flood risks and enabled the project to maintain ongoing traffic flow.
Construction began in 2015, following years of planning and community engagement. Crews demolished 12 old bridges and constructed 14 new ones, including four massive flyover structures. The project culminated in the creation of over four miles of two-lane roadways, 120,000 square feet of retaining walls, and a web of new connections that improved accessibility in the region.
Community involvement played a critical role in the project’s success. Iowa DOT maintained a transparent line of communication through a dedicated website, keeping residents informed about detours and construction updates. Local outreach initiatives, including a public appreciation event led by Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh, helped foster goodwill among residents and highlighted the project's significance for the community.
As the final phase of the reconstruction approached completion, the team exceeded expectations, finishing six months ahead of schedule.
Project: I-29/I-480/West Broadway System Interchange
Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Owners: Iowa Department of Transportation
Designer: HDR, Inc.
Contractor: Ames Construction
Cost: $179,205,006
Length: 4 miles
