PLANNING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY-THE I-235 EXPERIENCE

Interstate 235 (I-235) serves the greater Metropolitan Area of Des Moines, Iowa. I-235 is a four-lane divided highway in the western and northern suburbs, which widens to as many as ten lanes in the central business district. Reaching its design life during the early 1980s, I-235 was presenting major problems for the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). This paper, which appears in a compendium of conference papers, outlines the comprehensive planning steps taken by IDOT to ensure an increase in efficiency or capacity on I-235 and to establish a partnership with the community. Following agency and community input, a comprehensive alternatives analysis was conducted followed by an environmental impact statement. The major investment study concept was introduced after the I-235 alternatives analysis was underway; however, the Federal Highway Administration concurred that the IDOT process was "ahead of its time, particularly in the public involvement process."

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures;
  • Pagination: 5p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00713777
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 21 1995 12:00AM