|
Comments due by Sept. 26 on I-80, HH Hwy
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 21, 2017
In both drawings for a new Interstate 80-Herbert Hoover Highway interchange, the new bridge moves slightly to the east to keep traffic flowing when construction begins in 2021.
However, if anyone wants to suggest changes or make observations, the deadline for that arrives Tuesday, Sept. 26.
The Iowa Department of Transportation saw a rolling crowd of about 60 residents at its Sept. 12 public meeting at Helen Lemme Elementary School in Iowa City, with many from West Branch interested in seeing how the two-year, $54.15 million widening project could change how traffic crosses over a six-lane Interstate 80.
The bridge and new interchange could cost about $1.3 million of that total, and IDOT Transportation Engineer Specialist Wes Mayberry said both interchange proposals aim to increase safety.
• The first proposal creates a diamond interchange that would connect the westbound on and off ramps. This proposal makes more dramatic changes to the existing ramps that require acquiring more private land outside the existing ramps. Mayberry said this design could include signals for further controls.
Right now, the two are about an eighth of a mile apart and westbound Hoover Highway traffic has, from time to time, crashed into vehicles exiting the I-80 westbound off-ramp. Also, that same westbound traffic, without braking, can merge with the westbound on-ramp and traffic turning from eastbound Hoover Highway, another situation that has led to crashes.
• The second proposal places roundabouts — circular intersections — at each end of the bridge, directing traffic from the bridge, on- and off-ramps to enter the circles at three distinct points. This proposal requires very little, if any, private land acquisition because the roundabouts are closer to the ends of the bridge than the current ramps.
Johnson County last year asked about incorporating Utah Avenue/X16 from the north into the new interchange, but neither drawing shows that feature.
Both drawings include sidewalks or trails for pedestrians and bicycles, though it would be on Johnson County to extend these trails away from the bridge.
Those wishing to make comments may contact IDOT by phone at 319-364-0235, by e-mail to Transportation Planner Catherine Cutler at Catherine.Cutler@iowadot.us or online at www.idot.gov/pim or bit.ly/Iowadot8211641.
West Branch resident John Fuller, a University of Iowa professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning, said he would like to see the cost differences between the two proposals.
He said the roundabouts seem to have an advantage by using more of the existing public land and both proposals appear to make it easier for motorists to see traffic coming toward the intersections.
Fuller said the current intersections are “very unsafe.”
He said he likes the trails, but thinks a trail would be more suitable crossing Lower West Branch Road’s bridge over I-80, however IDOT is currently planning to take that bridge down. Johnson County last month tried to offer $350,000 to entice IDOT to rebuild that bridge, too.
Fuller said less traffic along Lower West Branch Road would make it safer for foot and bicycle traffic and, assuming trails ever connect Iowa City and West Branch, would mean pedestrians and cyclists spend less time on Hoover Highway, which is also dangerous with narrow shoulders and hills.
Keith Schultes, a farmer and member of the West Branch Board of Education, said he was primarily concerned with getting farm equipment into the roundabouts without driving over curbing that could cause damages.
He said he prefers the roundabouts because of the “gentle curves” and ease of getting in and out.
Talking to IDOT staff, he said both options were designed with 53-foot trucks in mind, so both should handle everything from fire trucks to school buses as well.
Schultes also sees both proposals as safer alternatives to the existing intersection, noting that the roundabouts will significantly reduce T-bone accidents, and that any accident will likely involve slower traffic, ensuring more survivors.
Mayberry agreed, saying lower speeds and different angles of impact would minimize injuries.
Schultes said he would not prefer the diamond interchange with four-way stops or lights.
Mayberry said IDOT will design the new bridge to last for 20 years and, if traffic increases from the roughly 35,000 vehicles per day average, could handle a bump up to eight lanes.
IDOT noted that Iowa City’s east side is seeing a significant increase in housing and some businesses, which was taken into account, he said, as well as traffic patterns and freight movements.
Getting involved
Those wishing to make comments may contact the Iowa Department of Transportation by phone at 319-364-0235, by e-mail to Transportation Planner Catherine Cutler at Catherine.Cutler@iowadot.us or online at www.idot.gov/pim or bit.ly/Iowadot8211641. The deadline is Sept. 26.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
