It's the first of years of changes to make Ankeny-Ames 6 lanes
http://www.iowadot.gov/roadconstruction/MajorProjects/?rank=20
No. The whole 6-lanes from Ankeny to Ames is not a for sure thing as of last I knew. This project is simply replacing the bridges over the Skunk River, and adding a large culvert just to the north of the river.
No. The whole 6-lanes from Ankeny to Ames is not a for sure thing as of last I knew. This project is simply replacing the bridges over the Skunk River, and adding a large culvert just to the north of the river.
No. The whole 6-lanes from Ankeny to Ames is not a for sure thing as of last I knew. This project is simply replacing the bridges over the Skunk River, and adding a large culvert just to the north of the river.
That sure is a lot of work going on if it is not also related to widening I-35.
Three lanes seems like a waste of money.
Been driving that route for 35 years, and the I-35 US 30 interchange has always seemed oddly constructed for two major four-lane highways. Looks as though the new plans are for a much safer and faster exchange.
Truck traffic may also play a role. Many truck companies require drivers to drive 60-65 mph. Slow trucks can cause traffic delays and even some road rage.
Three lanes seems like a waste of money.
I like how Nebraska was able to get their 6-lane expansion to Lincoln done easily yet to do the same thing to Ames, half the distance, it is taking decades. Anyone who has driven between Lincoln and Omaha has notices how nice it is to have 3 lane interstates between two major cities.
A waste of money was moving those rest stops from Ankeny to only a couple miles north of Ankeny where they will be surrounded by houses again in 5 years and become obsolete again.
I agree those rest areas were a giant waste of money, but they will never be surrounded by houses. They are pretty much in the middle of no where, and there is zero chance Ankeny ever grows that far north.
I will bet my entire worth that never happens.They are only 3 miles south of Ankeny, the 3rd fastest growing city in the entire United States...
Just since 2000, Ankeny has grown more than 5 miles north of where it used to end. 15 years ago, there were no houses west of I-80/35 and now you can drive 7 miles west to Waukee and beyond and not see a single field anymore. Like it or not, DSM is growing faster than it ever has. I bet the area between Ankeny and Ames is nearly filled in in 50 years, which gives those rest stops about 7-10 years.
I agree those rest areas were a giant waste of money, but they will never be surrounded by houses. They are pretty much in the middle of no where, and there is zero chance Ankeny ever grows that far north.