ADEL, Iowa – Aug. 4, 2025 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the City of Adel and the ADM Schools invites residents, business owners, and motorists to attend a Public Information Meeting about the upcoming construction of a new roundabout on U.S. 169 at the intersection with Common Place and the entrance to the new ADM High School.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the ADM High School Auditorium. Staff from the Iowa DOT, City of Adel, and ADM Public Schools will be present to share information about the project and answer questions from the public.
Project Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you doing this project?
The ADM school district applied for an access permit at Common Place on U.S. 169. The DOT required the school district to submit a traffic impact study to understand how the change in land-use will impact traffic. The study showed a need for intersection control and recommended a roundabout. The DOT has reviewed the study and agrees with the recommendation.
I live north of Common Place, what’s the plan for my area?
The city hired a consultant to develop a corridor plan through this area that includes a 3-lane pavement with turn lanes and intersection control at targeted intersections. Planning is still in progress.
Why can’t we address the entire corridor with this project?
The timeline for the 2027 opening of the new school is driving the need for a standalone project at Common Place. The corridor plan is not finalized and will require right of way, utility relocations, and environmental review. Implementation of the corridor plan is on a separate timeline from this project.
Based on comments received at the Aug. 12, 2025, public information meeting, the DOT is evaluating viable interim solutions at spot location(s) to address the safety concerns and the delay experienced by those wanting to access U.S. 169 north of the project site. Currently, no timeline exists for this evaluation. Any interim solution requiring right of way or utility relocations will likely come after the roundabout is installed in 2026.Why am I just finding out about this now?
Access permits with minor right of way impacts do not typically generate public meetings. When the purpose and need of a project is to address safety, the solutions are data-driven. With this being a big change we wanted to hold a public meeting to learn more about aspects not already captured in the study (i.e. pedestrian use) where locals would have more insight.
Was this a decision made by ADM schools or the city of Adel?
No, U.S. 169 is a primary highway under the jurisdiction of the DOT.
Are roundabouts a good idea near schools?
Roundabouts are often constructed near schools. This is due to typical school “peak” traffic periods in the morning and afternoon, as well as the ability for roundabouts to simplify pedestrian crossings of one direction at a time.
Many growing school districts in Iowa are constructing roundabouts at new or existing facilities. Roundabouts are safer for young drivers and are especially well-suited for the peak fluctuations in school traffic.
Some examples of schools with roundabouts nearby include:
| City/County/ School District | Schools | Map Link |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids – Linn County – College CSD (Prairie HS) | Complex serves 8 schools (Pre-K through HS), a bus barn, and sports complex | Google Maps |
| Gilbert – Story County – Gilbert CSD | Between Intermediate, Middle, and High School. Connects City and Co-op to US 69 | Google Maps |
| Fayette County – Starmont CSD | Rural intersection near combined Elementary, Middle, and High School | Google Maps |
| Johnston – Polk County – Johnston CSD | Suburban High School campus | Google Maps |
| Orange City – Sioux County – MOC-Floyd Valley CSD | Urban/Rural transition of medium sized city. New Elementary to south, HS and college to west. |
|
Waukee – Dallas County – | Suburban. Between Waukee MS and Waukee HS. Serves Bus entrances. | Google Maps |
Did the ADM traffic impact study look at more than one option?
Yes. The study reviewed 3 options (4-way stop, traffic signal, and roundabout). The delay and queue length were compared both on opening day and in year 2045.
The signal showed significantly higher delay than a roundabout, particularly in the out years. The signal will remain green for most of its life and do very little to calm traffic approaching Common Place. Traffic signals on rural highways have a higher occurrence of serious injury and/or fatal crashes. Alternatively, roundabouts must be maneuvered at low speed thus reducing the severity of crashes.
A signalized intersection has 32 conflict points where a crash could occur. A roundabout has 8 conflict points. Considering the high density of teenage drivers blended with heavy trucks at this location, a roundabout is the proven, safer alternative.
Typical Intersection – 32 conflict points | Single Lane Roundabout – 8 conflict points |
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Did the study use traffic counts during a school day?
Yes
Did the study consider growth?
Yes. It considered existing development, future development, and the new school capacity. The study then used a 1.5% growth factor for 20 years.
Why can’t a traffic signal be installed like the one near DCG High School?
Signals in rural areas generate more rear-end crashes (2025 ISU study). Alternatively, roundabouts reduce fatalities by 90% and overall injury crashes by 76% (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). This is because vehicles typically travel 5-25 mph entering a roundabout, and high-speed right-angle (T-bone), left-turning, and rear-end crashes are reduced compared to a traffic signal.
At the two signalized intersections near Dallas Center-Grimes HS (Iowa 44 & School Entrance and Iowa 44 & Y Ave/County Line Rd/NW 142nd St), there have been 49 crashes since 2020 involving 117 drivers. Of the 117 drivers, 57 (49%) were between 14-19 years old. This is compared to 12% statewide during the same period. A corridor study is ongoing in this area and will evaluate replacing this signal with a roundabout.Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians and what can you do to be proactive about pedestrian traffic?
Yes, pedestrians safely cross roundabouts across the state. For this project, button-activated flashing beacons will be installed. The beacons will alert drivers that a pedestrian is crossing similar to the image below.
Additionally, only the north pedestrian crossing will be opened initially. By channeling pedestrian traffic to a single crossing, we can reduce the number of pedestrian conflict points and better manage driver expectation. The south crossing can still be added in the future should there be a need.
Will there be another way in/out of the new school?
The school district indicated that other access points to the school will be implemented as areas to the north and west develop.
Can farm implements maneuver the roundabout?
Yes. Here are some examples of rural roundabouts that see farm implements:
- Iowa 3 & Iowa 187 (Starmont CSD, Fayette Co, 2009, Google Streetview)
- Iowa 3 & Y13 (Dubuque Co, 2008, Streetview)
- Iowa 281 & V49 (Black Hawk Co, 2008, Streetview)
- Minnesota DOT video showing how the central island truck apron is designed to accommodate large vehicles/trailers
- Florida DOT truck navigation in a roundabout video
How do emergency vehicles maneuver a roundabout to respond to an emergency?
Emergency vehicles can maneuver like any other larger vehicle. The few seconds of time it takes to maneuver a roundabout is similar to weaving through queues of vehicles at a traffic signal. Drivers should not stop within a roundabout for an emergency vehicle. Navigating roundabouts with emergency vehicles video
Resources
- Traffic Impact Study
- ADM Project Site
- City Letter of Support
- ADM School Board Letter of Support
- Iowa DOT Concept Plan Display
- Iowa DOT Roundabout Project Flyer
- Iowa DOT Roundabout Website
For general information about this meeting contact Scott Suhr, District Four Office, at 712-243-7627 or scott.suhr@iowadot.us.
2210 E. Seventh St
Atlantic, IA 50022