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$2 billion Council Bluffs interstate project: express lanes, new bridges, ramps

Iowa DOT

Construction is underway on the next two segments of a five-part interstate reconstruction project through Council Bluffs.

The $2 billion project will reconstruct and modernize Interstates 80, 480, and 29. It includes new off- and on-ramps, bridges, and a combined railroad corridor. This spring, work will be done at Highways 275 and 92.

Troy Jerman, District 4 engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation, says the project also includes a dual-divided highway system with express lanes.

"If you're on I-80 and you're traveling cross-country and you don't want to have to get in those outside lanes, you'll avoid those weaving movements, it'll be more free-flow through the area. Now if you want to stop in the community you'll be in the outside lanes so you can access the interchanges."

Jerman says the Council Bluffs project is one of the largest the Iowa DOT has ever done. $444 million dollars is allocated for interstate reconstruction through 2018. The final two segments of the project are scheduled for completion after that, with a cost of $750 million.

More information is available at www.councilbluffsinterstate.iowadot.gov.