The original Council Bluffs Interstate System was constructed as part of the Eisenhower Interstate System and was developed to the design standards of the 1960s. Apart from routine maintenance in the 1980s and 1990s, it remained virtually unchanged until the early 2000s. Packed with traffic and frequent crashes, studies indicated that many of its interstate features were outdated and did not meet today’s design standards, guidelines, or operational criteria. Additionally, the system did not provide adequate vehicle capacity for current and future traffic. It needed an overhaul.
Overview of the Project
The $1.5 billion Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program was designed to:
- Modernize and improve 14 miles of interstate
- Accommodate planned developments
- Reduce congestion
- Improve mobility
- Increase traveler safety
Innovative Transportation Solutions
This project introduced several firsts for Iowa’s transportation infrastructure:
- The area’s first dual, divided freeway.
- Iowa’s largest and most complex interstate reconstruction to date.
- First project to use tiered environmental permitting.
- First use of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling.
- First Iowa DOT project to use a Program Manager/General Engineering Contractor (PM/GEC).
Infrastructure Enhancements
Key improvements included:
- Widened lanes and shoulders.
- New bridges and interchanges.
- Improved drainage and lighting.
- Aesthetic enhancements.
These upgrades have made the interstate system safer, more efficient, and visually appealing.\
Engineering Feats and Challenges
Implementing this Program was a true feat of engineering. Efforts included:
- Relocating multiple Class I railroads.
- Management through multiple flood events.
- Designing complex bridge structures.
- Traversing multiple waterways.
- Moving an astronomical quantity of material and maintaining traffic on one of America’s most vital transportation corridors.
A Model for Future Projects
Several phases of the program were completed under budget and ahead of schedule - providing a a model for how to successfully rebuild and modernize major highways in busy city areas, where many agencies need to work together and keep the public informed throughout the process.
Reflecting on a Major Investment
Now that the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program has ended, it is important to reflect on the significant investment that the Iowa Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Iowa Transportation Commission has made to the local transportation infrastructure. This investment has had a profound impact on our community, both in terms of physical improvements to the interstate system and the resulting economic and social benefits.
A Lasting Community Impact
This investment has transformed our community. Commuters, visitors, and freight travel through this area safely and more efficiently. Transportation system improvements have helped the local economy attract both new businesses and residents.
Program Documents
Awards and Recognition
2024
- 2024 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Roads #4 Road: I-29/I-480/West Broadway System Interchange
- 2024 Public Relations Society of America Nebraska Paper Anvil Award: Council Bluffs Interstate Look Book
2023
- 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Honor Award: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
- 2023 American Infrastructure Magazine Peninsula Publishing Pubby Award for Road Project of the Year: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
2022
- 2022 Engineering News-Record Merit Award Highway/Bridge Category: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
- 2022 MAASTO’s America’s Transportation Awards Operational Excellence – Large Category: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
- 2022 American Council of Engineering Companies National Recognition Award: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
- 2022 American Council of Engineering Companies Iowa Grand Conceptor and Grand Place Awards: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
- 2022 American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska Honor Award: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
2021
- 2021 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Roads, #4 Road: I-80/I-29 Dual, Divided Freeway
2018
- 2018 American Council of Engineering Companies National Recognition Award: East System Interchange Bridges
- 2018 American Council of Engineering Companies Iowa Honor Award: East System Interchange Bridges
2017
- 2017 American Council of Engineering Companies National Recognition Award: Railroad Relocation Project
- 2017 American Council of Engineering Companies Iowa Grand Place Award: Railroad Relocation Project
- 2017 American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska Grand Place Award: Railroad Relocation Project
2010
- 2010 Associated General Contractors of Iowa - Iowa Quality Initiative Structure: I-80 Westbound Missouri River Bridge
- 2010 American Council of Engineering Companies National Recognition Award: 24th Street Bridge
- 2010 American Council of Engineering Companies Iowa Grand Place Award: 24th Street Bridge
2009
- 2009 Associated General Contractors of Iowa - Iowa Quality Initiative Structure: 24th Street Bridge