Background/Discussion
West Broadway is a major arterial street and critical to the City’s roadway network. It serves as a significant commercial corridor and commuter route and its reconstruction is an essential part of the economic redevelopment plan for the west end of Council Bluffs. There is also a strong community desire to enhance the aesthetics of the corridor and to create a connection between the River’s Edge development and downtown Council Bluffs.
The City has assumed responsibility of West Broadway from the Iowa DOT. The transfer of jurisdiction of the roadway formerly designated as US 6, included payments totaling $20 million from Iowa DOT.
Segments 1 through 3 of the reconstruction project from 36th Street to east of 25th Street are complete.
Construction of Segment 4 from east of 25th Street to 19th Street is now underway.
The Segment 5 project will reconstruct West Broadway from just west of 19th Street to 15th Street. It will include the replacement of pavement, traffic signals, street lights, sidewalks, and storm sewer. Streetscape features consistent with the Corridor Master Plan will also be incorporated. Construction is planned for 2021.
New right-of-way will be required at intersection locations to accommodate new sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, traffic signal poles and streetscape elements. A permanent easement will be required for one of two bus shelter locations near the 16th Street intersection. A total of 11 properties will be impacted.
This project was included in the FY21 CIP with a preliminary budget of $9,000,000 with funding from IDOT, Sales Tax funds, and GO Bonds. The Iowa West Foundation has agreed to reimburse the City for costs associated with the streetscape amenities. Conceptual estimates based on the unit prices from Segment 4 indicate that additional project funding may be necessary.