Background/Discussion
The South Expressway is a major arterial roadway that serves as one of the main entrances to the downtown area of Council Bluffs from I-29/I-80. The South Expressway was previously a state highway (formerly Iowa 192). Traffic volumes are approaching 20,000 vehicles per day. The South Expressway is currently a rural four lane divided roadway with a depressed median.
The updated design for the reconstruction will utilize an urban typical section. The project will include new roadway pavement, drainage improvements, street lighting, and a concrete trail on the east side of the South Expressway from just north of the I-29/I-80 ramps to 23rd Avenue.
This is the first of at least two phases planned to reconstruct the South Expressway. Phase 1 includes the area immediately north of the I-29/I-80 interchange, and continues north to just south of 19th Avenue.
The project is eligible for Federal funding from the City’s allocation of STBG-SWAP funds. The funding agreement authorizes Iowa DOT to administer the project and is necessary to utilize the Federal funds.
This project was included in the FY22 CIP and included a budget of $3,260,000 in STBG-SWAP funds and $1,500,000 in Sales Tax funds. The funding has increased due to recent escalation in construction costs. The estimated construction cost for this section of the South Expressway is $5,992,900. STBG-SWAP funds will be used up to $4,620,000; the remaining amount including engineering will be paid with Sales Tax funds.
The project is scheduled for a December 2022 letting.